The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a strategic move to reinforce their roster by signing veteran catcher José Herrera to a minor-league contract. This acquisition comes just before their crucial three-game series against the San Francisco Giants at PNC Park. The team aims to enhance its depth and performance as it navigates a competitive National League season.
Herrera, a 29-year-old switch-hitter, brings valuable experience to the Pirates. His career includes four years in Major League Baseball, predominantly with the Arizona Diamondbacks. After a recent stint with the Texas Rangers' Triple-A affiliate and a brief period in the Mexican League, Herrera joins Pittsburgh with the goal of contributing to their ongoing efforts to climb the standings. The Pirates currently hold a 67-71 record, placing them fourth in the NL Central, and are looking to close the gap on a Wild Card berth.
Pirates Add Veteran Catcher José Herrera to Roster
The Pittsburgh Pirates have solidified their catching corps by signing José Herrera to a minor-league agreement. This move, announced as the team geared up for their series against the San Francisco Giants, provides a seasoned player with a proven track record. Herrera, a 29-year-old switch-hitting catcher, has accumulated four years of experience in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Arizona Diamondbacks. His signing indicates the Pirates' commitment to strengthening their organizational depth and providing support at a key defensive position. Herrera's presence is expected to offer stability and experience, which could be crucial as the team pushes through the latter part of the season.
Herrera's journey to Pittsburgh has involved several recent transitions. He spent the offseason with the Texas Rangers, signing a minor-league deal and playing 40 games with their Triple-A affiliate, where he posted a slash line of .229/.344/.321 before his release in July. Subsequently, he joined the Charros de Jalisco in the Mexican League, only to be released by them shortly before signing with the Pirates. This series of moves highlights his availability and the Pirates' quick action to secure his services. Herrera's minor-league contract with Pittsburgh places him with the Indianapolis Indians, the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate, allowing him to integrate into the team's system and be readily available for a call-up if needed to contribute at the major league level.
José Herrera's MLB Journey and Impact on the Pirates
José Herrera's baseball career began when he signed a minor-league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2013. He made his Major League debut with the Diamondbacks in 2022 and played 190 games for the club between 2022 and 2025. During his time in the big leagues, Herrera posted a batting line of .200/.280/.259, accumulating three home runs, 17 doubles, and 42 RBIs. After the 2025 season, he elected free agency, leading to his brief tenure with the Texas Rangers organization and subsequently with the Charros de Jalisco before joining the Pirates. His accumulated experience behind the plate and at the plate will be invaluable to the Pirates, especially in mentoring younger players and providing a reliable option.
In his minor league career, Herrera has demonstrated consistent performance, hitting .253/.351/.363 with 33 home runs and 247 RBIs across 535 games. This offensive production, combined with his defensive capabilities as a catcher, makes him a well-rounded acquisition for the Pirates. His arrival coincides with a period where the Pirates are actively competing to improve their standing in the National League. With a 67-71 record, they are currently six games behind the San Diego Padres for the final National League Wild Card spot. Herrera's experience and leadership could be a significant factor in their efforts to make a late-season surge and contend for a playoff position.
