Endy Rodríguez loss deepens Pittsburgh's catching transition

Rodríguez's hip-labrum surgery is expected to sideline him seven-to-nine months, making his retention and projected low-cost arbitration tender a key test. Flores' .942 OPS and 27 homers since July 1 strengthen his case for a major 2027 role, while Davis is affordable for defense but not a sufficient offensive solution.