Former Pirates Catcher Jacob Stallings Joins Front Office

Veteran backstop transitions to baseball operations role with Pittsburgh

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:09am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball catcher's gear, including a mask, chest protector, and shin guards, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted tones of navy, forest green, and charcoal gray, conceptually representing a veteran player's move from the field to the front office.A veteran catcher's transition from the field to the front office signals a new chapter in his baseball journey.Today in Pittsburgh

Jacob Stallings, a former All-Star catcher who spent over a decade in the major leagues, has joined the Pittsburgh Pirates' baseball operations department. The 36-year-old veteran, who played for the Pirates, Marlins, Rockies, and Orioles, will now consult with the front office and mentor the organization's young catchers at their minor league affiliates.

Why it matters

Stallings' move from the field to the front office represents a significant transition for the veteran catcher, who was known for his defensive prowess and ability to work with pitching staffs. His experience and expertise could prove invaluable in developing the next generation of Pirates catchers and shaping the team's overall strategy.

The details

After a stellar 2024 campaign, Stallings' performance dipped in 2025 due to back issues, leading him to a career crossroads. Rather than retiring, the former seventh-round pick has opted to join the Pirates' baseball operations department, where he will consult with the front office and work closely with the team's minor league catchers on a monthly basis.

  • Stallings played in 577 games across four teams from 2014 to 2025.
  • He earned a Gold Glove in 2021 while with the Pirates.
  • Stallings' best years were from 2019 to 2020, when he threw out 36.2% of base stealers.
  • He joined the Pirates' front office in April 2026.

The players

Jacob Stallings

A former major league catcher who spent over a decade in the big leagues, including stints with the Pirates, Marlins, Rockies, and Orioles. Stallings was known for his defensive prowess and ability to work with pitching staffs, earning a Gold Glove in 2021.

Jason Mackey

A reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette who interviewed Stallings about his transition to the Pirates' front office.

Skip Schumaker

Stallings' former manager, with whom he developed a strong bond during his playing career.

Don Kelly

The current manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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What they’re saying

“While the exact details of his role are still being finalized, Stallings is expected to be in Pittsburgh once a month, consulting with the front office and mentoring the organization's young catchers at various minor league affiliates.”

— Jason Mackey, Reporter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

What’s next

Stallings' new role with the Pirates' front office could open doors to various career paths within the sport, and fans will be eager to see how his expertise and mentorship impact the team's young catchers in the coming years.

The takeaway

Stallings' transition from the field to the front office represents a unique opportunity for the veteran catcher to share his wealth of experience and knowledge with the next generation of Pirates players. His move highlights the valuable insights that former players can bring to an organization's strategic decision-making and player development efforts.