Call to the pen
Fansided

2019 MLB season: National League Central preview

By David Hill

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 17: Pitcher Miles Mikolis #39 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws a pitch in the first inning during the game against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on September 17, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 17: Pitcher Miles Mikolis #39 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws a pitch in the first inning during the game against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on September 17, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

5. Pittsburgh Pirates

It is easy to decry the Pittsburgh Pirates quiet offseason while the rest of the division improved. However, their moves for the 2019 MLB season were made last year.

What moves were made during the offseason came early. Lonnie Chisenhall was signed as the Pirates fourth outfielder and backup at the corner infield spots. Jung Ho Kang returned as well, as the Pirates looked for someone to push Colin Moran for the starting job. However, the Pirates biggest additions came at the trade deadline last season, when they added Chris Archer and Keone Kela to the pitching staff.

The Pirates do have an intriguing roster heading into the season. With Jameson Taillon and Archer, they have a solid 1-2 punch atop the rotation. Trevor Williams outperformed expectations, and the Pirates are hoping that is the case in 2019. Kela and closer Felipe Vasquez are a formidable duo to close out games. The lineup should put some runs on the board.

However, the Pirates also have a lot of question marks. They are high on the potential for Jodan Lyles in their rotation, but he is not a given. The middle infield, long handled by the solid Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer, is now being handed to the unproven Adan Frazier and Erik Gonzalez. The bullpen has potential, but also a few potential problem areas.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are not a bad team by any means, and would likely contend in the AL Central. However, given their division, they have the most difficult path ahead if they are looking to make the postseason.

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