Pittsburgh Pirates: Should the team bring back the middle infield duo?

The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking at a possibility of a new double-play combination for the first time in a long time.

The Pittsburgh Pirates were able to put together an 82-79 season in 2018, but they found themselves 4th in their own division. With their primary middle infield duo facing free agency or an option to keep on the team, the Pirates will have to make a pair of decisions.

Second base

Josh Harrison has been a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization since 2009 when he was acquired from the Chicago Cubs. Over 8 seasons with the Pirates, he’s put together a slash line of .277/.317/.408 with 52 home runs and 75 stolen bases.

Harrison struggled through injuries in 2018, but he was an All-Star in 2017, his second selection with the team. He still has two option years remaining on his contract, but both also have very reasonable buyouts. His option for 2019 is worth $10.5 million and for 2020 is $11.5 million. The buyout for next season is just $1 million, and the buyout after the 2019 season is just $500K.

Shortstop

Also missing his fair share of games this year due to injury was Harrison’s double-play mate, Jordy Mercer. Mercer was originally drafted by the Pirates in the 3rd round of the 2008 draft out of Oklahoma State.

Mercer has spent 7 seasons with the Pirates, hitting .256/.316/.383, but his bat has never been his calling card, as his glove has been elite his entire career. Many have felt that he was deserving of at least one Gold Glove along the way, but he’s not received one. Mercer is a free agent this offseason.

Internal options

The Pittsburgh Pirates saw a breakout from Adam Frazier this season, as he hit .277/.342/.456 over 352 plate appearances and handled second base adequately. He could certainly handle second base well if Harrison were allowed to leave.

Kevin Newman and Kevin Kramer worked their way to the major leagues this season for a short time this year, and Cole Tucker is getting time in the Arizona Fall League this year. This trio can all handle shortstop, at least adequately, and each has significant potential, but they’re all three ready for at least AAA, so there’s just not enough playing time there. It’s very feasible that the Pittsburgh Pirates go into the 2019 season with a competition at shortstop.

The Pittsburgh Pirates will have a decision to re-sign Jordy Mercer or pick up Josh Harrison’s option. If they choose to let Mercer leave and either decline the option or trade Harrison away, an era up the middle in Pittsburgh will have come to an end!