What to expect from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018
Expectations are low for the Pittsburgh Pirates for 2018. That may be doing a disservice to the roster.
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There are certainly plenty of questions on the Pirates roster. The starting rotation does not have a true top of the rotation starter, and Ivan Nova is really the only pitcher to have established himself at the major league level. However, there is plenty of potential in the rotation, and the Pirates have very quietly put together a strong bullpen. Felipe Rivero emerged as one of the better closers in the National League, and the combination of Kevin Seigrist, George Kontos, and Michael Feliz could be excellent.
Those same questions could be said about the lineup. Even Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco, the returning stars in the batting order, have their question marks. However, there is plenty of potential in the lineup as well, with solid prospects Austin Meadows and Cole Tucker getting closer to making an impact on the major league level.
Chances are, for the Pirates to contend in 2018, they would need to have a lot go their way. Players like Colin Moran and Josh Bell would need to emerge as cornerstones for the franchise. Corey Dickerson would need to prove his second half problems were a fluke. One or two of the Pirates young pitchers would need to take that next step. It is a lot to ask for, but the present is not as dreary as one would think.
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The Pittsburgh Pirates are starting to accumulate the pieces for their next run to contention. Although it is a long shot, they may contend in what should be a solid NL Central. Prediction: Fourth place in the NL Central.