Pirates 2019 Season Preview
Ready to check out our 2019 Pittsburgh Pirates predictions? The NL Central is going to be one of the most competitive division in the Majors this summer. Pittsburgh will be a big reason there is strength at the top and at the bottom.
MLB Pirates Predictions & Handicapping Insight
There are few predicting the Pirates to return to the playoffs this summer. However, they might be better than you think. The key is an underrated pitching staff.
The lineup is not going to scare anyone though which is why a breakthrough season is not expected. If you are a five inning better though you need to know about these guys.
2019 MLB Team Previews – Pittsburgh Pirates
- Pirates National League Central Odds +1800
- Pirates National League Odds +5000
- Pirates World Series Odds +10000
Key Additions:
- OF Lonnie Chisenhall
- SS Erik Gonzalez
- P Francisco Liriano
Chisenhall is a quality hitter. If he is in the lineup on a regular basis he can put up some numbers. He has never really had that chance.
Erik Gonzalez was never going to find a home in the Indians infield so this could be a good pickup. He is expected to be the regular shortstop and has potential to be above average.
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Liriano is back in Pittsburgh where he had his best seasons. He is likely going to be used in lots of different situations and still has good stuff.
Key Losses:
- SS Jordy Mercer
- IF Josh Harrison
Pittsburgh is moving in a new direction in the infield. Mercer was all field and no hit and Harrison only average so replacing them should not be too difficult.
2019 Pittsburgh Pirates Predictions: Projected Lineup:
- 2B Adam Frazier
- CF Starling Marte
- LF Corey Dickerson
- 3B Jung Ho Kang
- 1B Josh Bell
- C Francisco Cervelli
- RF Lonnie Chisenhall
- SS Erik Gonzalez
This is not an intimidating lineup. Gregory Polanco is noticeably absent while he rehabs and Chisenhall is a nice sub for a player who might never reach his prospect promise. There are no black holes but not much to fear.
The Pirates season might go according to how many homers they get from Bell and Kang. If that number is below 50 they are toast if that numbers is over 60 maybe they can surprise. .
2019 Pittsburgh Pirates Predictions: Projected Rotation:
- RH Jameson Taillon
- RH Trevor Williams
- RH Joe Musgrove
- RH Chris Archer
- RH Jordan Lyles
Any optimism about the Pirates come from this group. They have Archer slotted as the #4 starter but he is the most accomplished of this group and it is not even close.
Taillon and Williams had breakthrough seasons last year. Their numbers were good but very repeatable and especially in Talillon’s case, can be improved upon. If they hold steady rotation is sneaky good.
2019 Pittsburgh Pirates Predictions: Projected Closer:
- RH Felipe Vazquez
Vazquez is a nasty lefty and can get outs but he is gong to need games to save. You might not know much about him but he won’t be the issue for this team.
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Keone Kela is another big arm that can mow down folks from the right side. Between the two they can shut things down when the Bucs have a lead.
Kyle Crick might have been stolen from the Giants. The Pirates have the arms in the pent to compete. They just need some leads to hold.
2019 Pittsburgh Pirates Predictions:
Right now the Pirates are pegged for last in the division, even behind Cincinnati. That might be a bit of a stretch.
On the mound they might not have high profile guys but this group is very good. I see no reason that they do not perform at or above expectations.
The lineup gives me pause though as they might be lacking a couple of hitters to even get to average. There is some speed and they may have to manufacture runs more than most teams do these days.
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This is a team that thanks to its pitching should be able to have a decent record because it can beat other bad teams and hold their own overall.
I am not bullish on Pittsburgh but I think they can be better than expected.
What do you think of our 2019 Pittsburgh Pirates predictions? Comments are welcome below.
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