2023 MLB season preview: NL Central
4. Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have been in the cellar of the NL Central for the last few years, and like the Reds, finished 62-100 in 2022. However, there is reason for optimism this year in Pittsburgh as the Pirates’ young talent continues to develop. That talent includes versatile shortstop Oneil Cruz, who should be at the top of Pittsburgh’s lineup, as well as third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes, who will look to improve on the .244 he hit last season.
Arguably the Pirates’ best player is outfielder Bryan Reynolds, who hit .262 with 27 home runs last season. However, over the offseason, Reynolds requested a trade, so it’ll be interesting to see exactly what he gives Pittsburgh this year.
Joining the team’s young core is a group of veterans Pittsburgh signed over the offseason including a couple of power hitters in Carlos Santana and Ji-Man Choi. The team also reunited with former MVP Andrew McCutchen.
Meanwhile, the Pirates’ pitching staff will also likely feature a couple of other veteran acquisitions in Rich Hill and Vince Velasquez, who will join Brad Keller, as well as some intriguing young arms in JT Brubaker and Roansy Contreras. A young bullpen that comes out strong could be the biggest key to success for Pittsburgh this season, and will be led by 2022 All-Star closer David Bednar.
Ultimately, the Pirates are a tough team to predict in large part due to Reynolds. If he’s in Pittsburgh throughout the season, and the young bats and arms take a step forward, this could be a team who surprises and wins around 75 games. If not, it could be another year at the bottom of the NL Central in the Steel City.
