Who Could Be The Pittsburgh Pirates Backup Shortstop In 2017?

Jul 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle (13) speaks on the dugout phone before playing the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle (13) speaks on the dugout phone before playing the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates have just one remaining question in terms of position players for the 2017 season. This question is: who will be the backup shortstop?

For the most part, the Pittsburgh Pirates roster is set when it comes to position players. Jung Ho Kang, Jordy Mercer, Josh Harrison, and Josh Bell will be their starting infield in 2017. Francisco Cervelli will be behind the plate. And the outfield will be some combination of Gregory Polanco, Starling Marte, and Andrew McCutchen.

Additionally, the bench is pretty well etched in stone. Adam Frazier, Chris Stewart, David Freese, and John Jaso will all have spots on the Pirate bench in 2017. However, there is one remaining question mark in terms of position players. That one question mark is who will be the backup shortstop?

The Pittsburgh Pirates are set with Jordy Mercer as their starting shortstop. However, maybe minus Jung Ho Kang, no one else that is projected to make the Opening Day roster is capable of playing shortstop. So, who should be the Bucs backup shortstop in 2017?

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