Rum Bunter’s 2019 Pittsburgh Pirates Staff Preview: Josh

Predicting The 2019 Record

The Pirates have a starting rotation that is arguably the best in the NL. If they can get great starting pitching day in and day out, the offense won’t have to produce excessively every game. I do believe that Josh Bell will have a break out season as well as Adam Frazier. As long as they can produce more long balls, they will win games.

This team struggled mightily with hitting homers a season ago, but they have potential of being a top power hitting club in the league. Guys like Kang, Bell, Gregory Polanco, and Corey Dickerson all have 30 home run power. Marte, Moran, and Cervelli can also hit 15 out of the park. There is no doubt that this team can produce runs, it is just a matter of living up to their potential.

Not to mention that the bullpen has several live arms. With the likes of Felipe Vazquez, Kela, Kyle Crick, and Richard Rodriguez, they have a bunch of pitchers that can make outs and force swings and misses. If this team can all produce like they have in the past, it could be an exciting summer on the North Shore.

Expect the Pittsburgh Pirates to post their second consecutive winning season in 2019. The team will also compete for a postseason berth, and it would not be a surprise to see them return to the postseason for the first time since 2015.

2019 record prediction: 89-73