Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Reasons For Optimism Entering The Offseason

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Oct 2, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman John Jaso (28) is congratulated by third base coach Rick Sofield (41) after hitting a two run home run off of St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Jonathan Broxton (not pictured) during the seventh inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

As the 2016-2017 Major League Baseball offseason starts, I am going to give you three reasons for optimism as a fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

No matter how you cut it the 2016 season was a disappointing one for the Pittsburgh Pirates. For the first time since 2012 the Pirates finished with a losing record (78-83-1). And this came on the heels of three consecutive seasons that ended in a postseason appearance.

The disappointment ran deeper than just the Pirates’ final record, though. Ace starting pitcher Gerrit Cole had an injury riddled season. Their second best starting pitcher, Francisco Liriano, had the worst season of his career and was eventually traded. And Andrew McCutchen also had the worst season of his career.

Despite all of this, there is reason for optimism as the offseason begins. I truly believe the 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates will be postseason contenders once again. And today I am going to give you five reasons for optimism as the offseason begins.

Oct 2, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) hits a two run single off of St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Andrew McCutchen’s hot finish the 2016 season

Yes, the 2016 season was the worst of Andrew McCutchen’s Major League career. However, he finished the season extremely strong. This is a very encouraging sign heading into the 2017 season.

From August 5th through the end of the season Andrew McCutchen had 244 plate appearances. In these 244 plate appearances he looked like, well, Andrew McCutchen. And that was a great thing for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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In these 244 plate appearances McCutchen slashed .284/.381/.471/.852 with a .365 wOBA, 131 wRC+, and an ISO of .188. During this stretch McCutchen hit nine home runs, eight doubles, two triples, he stole three bases, and he drove in 36. Additionally, he had a 13.9 percent walk rate and just a 14.8 percent strikeout rate.

This hot finish to the season should help to catapult Andrew McCutchen to a strong 2017 campaign. Honestly, had he hit the way he did over the season’s final two months all season long the Pirates probably would have, at least, finished with a winning record. Finally, this strong finish should also put an end to any of the ‘is Andrew McCutchen over-the-hill’ talk.

I look for Andrew McCutchen to have a big bounce back season in 2017. I would not be surprised at all if he looks like his former MVP self once again. He also has a lot to play for as he is just two seasons away from free agency and a new contract.

Aug 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) in action against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon at the top of the starting rotation

Despite an injury filled 2016 season, Gerrit Cole is still one of the best starting pitchers in the National League. He was in the top five in the Major League in both ERA and FIP before getting injured in early August after all. And in 2017 he will have a great number two starting pitcher behind him.

This starting pitcher is Jameson Taillon. In 104 innings pitched in 2016 Taillon averaged 7.36 K/9, an incredible 1.47 BB/9, 1.13 HR/9, and he owned a WHIP of 1.12. Due to all of this he had a 3.38 ERA, 3.71 FIP, 3.43 xFIP, and a 1.7 WAR in 2016.

Cole has already proven he is one of the best starting pitchers in the National League, and Taillon started to do the same in 2016. Moving forward, this bodes well for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Especially since Cole should have a much better 2017, assuming he is healthy, and Jameson Taillon should just continue to improve.

Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon should give the Pittsburgh Pirates one of the best 1-2 punches of any starting rotation in the National League in 2017. Chad Kuhl will slot in as a solid back of the rotation starting pitcher as well. Due to these three pitchers, the Pirates will just need to add one or two starting pitchers this offseason to have a strong starting rotation.

The 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates should score a lot of runs

More than likely, the Pittsburgh Pirates will have one of the best offenses in all of baseball in 2017. This is due to both their starting lineup and bench. And a powerful offense can help cover up a lot of warts.

The Pittsburgh Pirates should have a better Andrew McCutchen in 2017. They will get a full season of Jung Ho Kang and Josh Bell. Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco continue to improve as hitters and Fracisco Cervelli is an on-base machine.

Additionally, the Pirates’ bench should be strong in 2017. This is due to players such as Adam Frazier, John Jaso, and David Freese. The 2017 Pirates should have no problems scoring runs.

The Pirate offense will get power from Kang, Polanco, and Bell. Cervelli, Bell, Polanco, and Jaso are all above average on-base guys. And players such as McCutchen, Marte, and Frazier are all strong contact hitters. It should be a balanced attack in 2017.

The Pirates finished sixth in the National League in runs scored in 2016. This came after finishing fifth in the league in runs scored in 2015. Personally, I think the 2017 Pirates’ offense could be even better than this.

Sep 7, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang (27) and first baseman David Freese (23) celebrate after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park. The Pirates won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

In conclusion

While it goes against what most Pittsburgh Pirate fans believe in, there are reasons for optimism entering the offseason. The reasons stated in this post do not include changes that will be made this offseason, either. I fully expect the Pirates to add to their bullpen, starting rotation, and bench this offseason.

Most Pirate fans will predict nothing but doom and gloom this offseason. The way the Pittsburgh media, especially people such as Dejan Kovacevic, talk about the Pirates will not help with this. However, the 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates should be a good team.

I look for the Pirates to be in postseason contention in 2017. Pirate fans, ignore the pessimism and be optimistic for once. It will not hurt, I promise.

Next: Arbitration Breakdown: Drew Hutchison

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