Pittsburgh Pirates: A look at the 2015 team’s offensive ZiPS projections

Jul 23, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Josh Harrison (5) greets right fielder

(25) after Polanco scored on a bases loaded walk against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Harrison, Gregory Polanco set to wreak havoc

The youthful duo of Gregory Polanco and Josh Harrison has Pittsburgh Pirates fans excited – and for good reason.

The pair played an integral role in the Bucs’ success in 2014 – and according to the ZiPS projections for 2015, will do so once again – with both their bats and their legs – which could prove to be a deadly combination in the hunt for the division crown.

Polanco, the speedy corner outfielder, will likely be a 20-20 candidate later on in his big league career, but is projected for a 14-homer, 26-steal campaign in 2015. Neither is expected to strikeout in even 20 percent of their respective at-bats, which only makes them a bigger threat in the Pittsburgh lineup.

Harrison’s biggest contributions will likely come on the defensive end of things, replacing a poor defender in Pedro Alvarez at the hot corner. That being said, the work of these two youngsters in the years to come will do a lot to decide where Pittsburgh sits come September – and hopefully – October.