Getting Kang back at full strength will be critical for this Pirates team.Their top prospect, who should be making his MLB debut in 2016, is RHP Tyler Glasnow. The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise based in Pittsburgh, … Say what you want about saves, but it's hard to ignore a guy who can consistently close out games. In his first year in the rotation last year, Hudson led all first-year pitchers with 16 wins, and his 3.35 ERA was third lowest among qualified rookies. Between Double-A and Triple-A last year, he posted a .317/.393/.446 batting line with 7 HR, 78 RBI, and 9 SB. Emotions could run high once again as the Chicago Cubs and visiting Milwaukee Brewers square off in the rubber match of a season-opening, three-game series Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field. A wild card push is more likely, and considering the state of the National League, is within the realm of possibility. Once he does, he should slide into the lineup in place of David Freese or at shortstop in place of Jordy Mercer. In his first season in the majors last year, he put up some impressive numbers, recording a 3.9 fWAR with a batting line of .287/.355/.461 with 15 HR and 58 RBI. Cole's numbers were better than Liriano's last year, and he should be considered the "ace" of the staff. Francisco Liriano will head the rotation this year as he has earned the Opening Day assignment. Will the knee/leg injury have any lingering effects once he returns? However, he's a solid pitcher that will provide quality innings for a rotation that needs them.The reason I have stars next to Nicasio, Vogelsong, and Locke is because they are competing for the final two spots in the rotation. There are minor-league arms that could help the Pirates as early as this year, but they won't be enough on their own. FanGraphs projected an 83 win season for the Pirates, with a 29% chance of making the playoffs.
He boasts and impressive 11.8 K/9 in the minors, though still has some control issues, posting a 4.2 BB/9 walk rate. Of course, the better of the two may be Gerrit Cole, who has been limited this spring with a right rib injury, but is on track to be ready for the regular season.
With the Cubs ahead of them, a division push will be extremely hard without some luck on their side. The initial look suggests that they have an uphill battle ahead of them this season, and a playoff push could be tough. Beyond the top two pitchers in that rotation (Liriano and Cole), it's a bit lackluster in talent. Many will just be placeholders while the Pirates prospects develop. That's still an impressive number, but it's not what he has been capable of.
Normally, most people would say that Spring Training stats are meaningless, and they are mostly right. He's posted 100 saves for the Pirates over the last three seasons, including 51 last year. While his return will benefit the Pirates lineup, there will also be a few questions as he returns. If he can also replicate his success, it will be another position of strength for the Pirates.One other major prospect who could see time in the majors in 2016 is RHP Jamesone Taillon. The Brewers and Pirates won't meet again until July 19, and they will play 16 times in the Brewers last 71 games.
Their first series will happen in the second week of April, when the Brewers head to Pittsburgh for a three-game series. It doesn't get any easier ahead of him, as Tony Watson is just as impressive.
Now in his fourth year with the Pirates, Cole is in position to take another step forward and become a force in the National League.It's tough to get a full understanding of what the Pirates could do in 2016. These team rosters are presented only when and where the data is available.2016 Pittsburgh Pirates Official Logo The 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates played 160 games during the regular season, won 78 games, lost 82 games, and finished in third position. The late acquisition of David Freese may pay off for them, but that lineup is missing a punch that is desperately needed. He will be in the majors at some point in 2016, it's just a matter of when it happens.When I look at the Pirates offseason losses, I'm left wondering if they lost too much. In his first year with the Pirates, he had the best year of his career, recording a 3.8 fWAR in 130 games, posting a .295/.370/.401 batting line.