Pittsburgh Pirates (11-9)
The Pittsburgh Pirates are no longer dependent on the production of Andrew McCutchen as fellow outfielders Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco have developed into studs, but the team is much better off when McCutchen plays well. Last season, McCutchen got off to a cold start that stretched into June – but once he broke out of it, the team was on track to be very competitive for much of the season.
With a .213/.337/.347 slash line and only two home runs through 19 games, McCutchen will need to ramp up his production soon if his Pirates hope to catch up to the Chicago Cubs. At 11-9 and in second place in the division, the Pirates will have a hard time winning the division, but will more than likely contend for a Wild Card spot once again.
The rest of the lineup has looked dominant, as John Jaso has settled in as the leadoff hitter while David Freese looks to prove his doubters wrong. Josh Harrison has settled into his permanent position as second base, and the lineup is due for another boost with the impending arrival of Jung Ho Kang, who will be activated off the DL within the next few weeks.
Outside of the lineup, the team’s pitching has been one of the reasons they’ve yet to go on an extended stretch of wins.
Outside of ace Gerrit Cole (2.70 ERA), the starting rotation has been less than impressive. Francisco Liriano has been solid, but has yet to follow-up his first dominant start of the season with an equally impressive performance. Jeff Locke, Jonathan Niese and Juan Nicasio have been serviceable, but it’s possible the Pirates will turn to one of their top pitching prospects if they don’t heat up by midseason.
Next: Cubs Sit Atop Power Rankings This Week
With Cole at the top and McCutchen poised to heat up, expect the Bucs to be in a heated battle with the Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals throughout the next month. Pittsburgh will face off against St. Louis three times and will start the month at home against the Cubs, before heading to Chicago the following week for another three-game set.
All stats accurate as of April 26.