Pittsburgh Pirates v. Chicago Cubs – The Outfielders

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Oct 2, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third base coach Rick Sofield (41) greets center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) after McCutchen hit a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Conclusion

The Pittsburgh Pirates have one of the most dynamic outfields in the game. Once Polanco rounds into form, they may very well have the best outfield in the game. Marte and McCutchen are two of the best players in all of baseball already, and while the Cubs may have the edge in other areas, the one area the Pirates have a clear advantage is in the outfield (if each of the players above starts). The Pirates’ projected starting outfield has put up a combined WAR of 12.6 (according to ESPN) this season, while the Cubs’ projected starting outfield has a combined WAR of 5.9. That’s a big difference, and the Pirates will certainly rely on their outfield in this game to perform well offensively, defensively, and on the bases if they have any hope of beating Arrieta.

Next: Top five Pittsburgh Pirates moments from the 2015 regular season