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The start of the Pittsburgh Pirates regular season is three days away which means it is time for our yearly staff previews of the team to begin here at Rum Bunter.
The 2019 Major League Baseball season is quickly approaching. The Pittsburgh Pirates will be facing off against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, March 28th, at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. They will have an off-day that Friday and will finish the series on Sunday.
The Pirates surprised a lot of people around the sport following the 2018 regular season with an 82-79 record. Most believed that they would finish at the bottom of the very competitive NL Central. Also, GM Neal Huntington made some uncharacteristic moves at the 2018 trade deadline by adding Chris Archer and Keone Kela.
With the losses of Jordy Mercer and Josh Harrison to the Detroit Tigers, it opens the door for Erik Gonzalez and Adam Frazier to play everyday. Gonzalez provides the middle infield with spectacular defense. Jung Ho Kang is returning to the team after being away since the 2016 season and he immediately gives the Pirates more power that they desperately need.
So, lets get into some predictions for the 2019 Pirates. Beginning with who will be the teams Cy Young winner.