Pittsburgh Pirates Players Set To Benefit From The WBC

Nov 7, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Austin Meadows during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Austin Meadows during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Alen Hanson (37) singles against the Washington Nationals during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Alen Hanson (37) singles against the Washington Nationals during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Utility player Alen Hanson

At one time Alen Hanson was one of the top prospects in all of baseball and he appeared to be the shortstop of the future for the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, his career is now at a crossroads and this spring is very important to him.

Alen Hanson is out of options. Due to this, he can not be sent to the Minor Leagues without clearing waivers. He has to make the team out of Spring Training in order to avoid being designated for assignment.

So far this spring Hanson has started games at both shortstop and second base. In the coming weeks he could see a lot of time at second base with Harrison away from the team. Potentially, he could also make some starts in the outfield in an effort to add to his versatility.

It will be an uphill climb for Alen Hanson if he is going to make the Pirate roster. However, he will be given every opportunity to do so. What he does with those opportunities is completely in his hands.