Sep 25, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) is shown after the bottom of the fifth inning of their game against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. The Pirates won 10-1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
7. Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates
Two years removed from an NL MVP season and now with two consecutive playoff appearances for the Pirates, the 28-year-old McCutchen will look to lead his team further than they’ve gone in 23 years.
The Pirates’ center fielder has firmly established himself among the game’s best players, posting three consecutive .300-plus hitting seasons and leading the league in on-base percentage in 2014 at .410. He can hit for power, too, with four straight seasons of over 20 home runs.
There’s no question the Pirates will need their pitching staff to improve if they’re ever going to survive a competitive NL Central division, but they have a valuable asset in McCutchen to put them in position.