MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates 2019 Season Offense
The Pittsburgh Pirates will enter the 2019 season having majority of their positions filled. However, they lost some players such as Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer via a buyout and free agency. The Pirates brought back Jung Ho Kang for a cheaper price. They also went out and brought back Francisco Liriano on a one-year minor league deal with incentives if he makes the major league roster.
Additionally, the Pirates added free agent Lonnie Chisenhall and veteran Melky Cabrera to the roster. Lonnie Chisenhall spent the previous eight year with the Cleveland Indians. Melky Cabrera is a veteran outfielder who has recently played for the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians.
Positional Breakdown
First Base- The choice is obvious here: Josh Bell. In 2018, Bell had 501 at-bats in which he posted a .261 batting average along with 12 home runs and 62 RBIs. Bell showed a little speed by swiping two bags and had a OPS of .768
Second Base- The likely starter here is Adam Frazier. In 2018, Frazier had 318 at-bats in which he posted a .277 batting average along with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs. Frazier stole one base and had an OPS of .798
Shortstop- This position is likely to see a new face. With Jordy Mercer off to the Tigers, the likely replacement is Erik Gonzalez. Gonzalez got a taste of the majors last year with 136 at-bats and posted a .265 batting average with 1 home run, 16 RBIs and Gonzalez swiped 3 bags. He posted a .676 OPS.
Third Base- This position is up for grabs and right now it’s a two player battle. Those two players would be Colin Moran and Jung Ho Kang. Kang hasn’t played since 2016; however, if Kang has a great spring the position is totally up for grabs. In 2018, Moran had 415 at-bats in which he hit for a .277 batting average, 11 home runs and 58 RBIs. Moran posted a OPS of .747.
Kang, on the other hand, hasn’t played in two years. However, in 2016, in 318 at-bats Kang posted a .255 batting average, 21 home runs, 62 RBIs along with 3 stolen bases. Kang also had a .867 OPS.
Left Field- Corey Dickerson should have this position. In 504 at-bats Dickerson posted a .300 batting average, 13 home runs, 55 RBIs along with 8 stolen bases. Dickerson also had a .804 OPS.
Center Field- Starling Marte moved to this position last year in wake of Andrew McCutchen leaving the team in free agency. In 559 at-bats Marte posted a .277 batting average, 20 home runs, 72 RBIs along with 33 stolen bases. Marte also had a .787 OPS.
Right Field- Gregory Polanco will be the Pirates right fielder. In 461 at-bats Polanco posted a .254 batting average, 23 home runs, 81 RBIs along with 12 stolen bases. Marte also had a .839 OPS.
Catcher- Francisco Cervelli will be the Pirates catcher. In 332 at-bats Cervelli posted a .259 batting average, 12 home runs, 57 RBIs along with 2 stolen bases. Cervelli also had a .809 OPS.
Utility Players and Bench
The Pirates will have guys that come off the bench this season in huge roles. The prime person will be Lonnie Chisenhall. Chisenhall is a versatile player who can play the infield and outfield. Last season with the Indians, Chisenhall posted a .321 batting average in 84 at-bats. It’s what Chisenhall brings to the table that interests the Pirates. A versatile player that hits for a solid average, and to top it off he is only the age of 30. Jose Osuna and Pablo Reyes also look to be contributors to the Pirates off the bench this season as well.
Conclusion
Pittsburgh Pirates 2019 season. Majority of the position are filled. However, the left side of the infield was left vacant when both Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer left via free agency and a buyout. Ironically, both players are now with the Detroit Tigers
Photo Credit to Jeffrey Hyde via Flickr
