The Pirates outfield is pretty set. There’s a little competition for center, but we know who will play the corners and who will fill out the roster out there. What kind of production comes from these guys is the question?
Gregory Polanco is an enigma. He can look like different guys at any point during a season. He can go from a power hitting superstar to a guy who looks like it’s his first time picking up a bat at any point. He is also pretty prone to injury and just plain bad luck. Sadly, I think his days in a Pirates uniform are numbered. After hitting .153 last year, the Pirates need to see something from him. Polanco’s contract is the the most expensive on the team. With next year being an option year, Polanco is going to have to put together an MVP caliber season to get the Pirates to pick that up. That’s a daunting task. Does he have it in him? I think he does. Will it happening? Probably not. If Polanco can stay on the field and put up numbers similar to what he did a few years ago before injuring his shoulder, average around .250 with 20-ish home runs, by the deadline, Ben Cherington will be looking to deal. Honestly, as long as it is not a repeat of last season, Cherington will be looking to deal.
Bryan Reynolds made the Andrew McCutchen trade sting a little less for Pirates fans in 2019. In his debut season, Reynolds hit .314 with 16 homers in 134 games for the Pirates. Last year wasn’t as great. The average dropped to .189. The hope is that he got his sophomore slump out of the way and returns to something closer to 2019 production. I think he will. The Pirates need him to do that. He is a big factor in their future success.
Anthony Alford has the tools to be a productive big league outfielder. He’s been a top 100 prospect in the past, but hasn’t been able to translate that potential into results on the field yet. He’s appeared in the majors in parts of the last 4 seasons in a total of 51 games. In those games, he’s only hit .169. He’s athletic, but also oft-injured. Recovering from elbow surgery, Alford may start the year on the IL since he’s still have issues with that. If the Pirates can get him on the field and get production, he could be a nice piece this season and moving forward.
Newly acquired Dustin Fowler is now in the mix as well. Fowler is in the same boat as Alford. A former top 100 prospect, Fowler has yet to put it all together, but he has shown some speed and power in the minors. In 2019, Fowler hit .277 with 25 homers in AAA. He’s a lottery ticket. He’s a low risk pick up with a potential high reward. If he tanks, they tried. If he prospers, then picking him up was a steal.
Brian Goodwin is the journeyman of the group. Signed to a minor league deal this offseason, Goodwin is looking for a roster spot. I think he makes it. Bringing Fowler in complicated things a little for Goodwin, but I still feel he has a very good shot at cracking the roster. A career .250 hitter, Goodwin isn’t going to win any batting titles, but he does provide a good back-up option. He also gives them another potential trade piece to help aid their rebuild efforts.
Jared Oliva will most likely start in AAA, but still has a chance of sticking on the roster if a couple guys falter or succumb to injury. Oliva got a taste of the big leagues last year. He hit .188 over 16 at-bats. He should be better next time around.
Cal Mitchell, Kevin Kramer and Hunter Owen are also in camp. I don’t think any will factor into the Opening Day roster this year, but look for them to appear as the season progresses.
The outfield will likely be made up of two guys looking to return to past form, one of two guys looking to finally play to their potential, and a consistent veteran looking for playing time. It should be interesting to watch and see how it all pans out.
Bucco Fever Podcast 