These Pittsburgh Pirates Could Hit 20+ Home Runs in 2016
By Jeff Demers
![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 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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Frumbunter-com-2Ffiles-2F2016-2F02-2Frick-sofield-andrew-mccutchen-mlb-cincinnati-reds-pittsburgh-pirates-590x900-eb7ebb767a0c086417e7370bd25ac7dd.jpg)
Willie Garcia, OF
Willy Garcia is a top prospect in the Pirates system. In fact, he’s been in that system since he was 17 years old. He is now 23. There is little question that he has the power to hit the long ball. For Garcia, his appearance in the big leagues will be determined by his ability to mature as a hitter. In the minors, he’s hit 67 home runs in the past four seasons, while also managing to strike 571 times on 102 walks. If he doesn’t get that under control, he’ll never be an everyday player anywhere.
Prediction: Garcia gets some time in Pittsburgh this year as a fourth outfielder and hits 10 home runs in the big leagues.