Pittsburgh Pirates Opening Day Roster Prediction, Start of Spring Training Edition

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PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 06: Jose Osuna #36 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with Bryan Reynolds #10 after they both come around to score on an two run RBI triple by Starling Marte #6 in the sixth inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on July 6, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 06: Jose Osuna #36 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with Bryan Reynolds #10 after they both come around to score on an two run RBI triple by Starling Marte #6 in the sixth inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on July 6, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

The outfield

In my opinion, the Opening Day starting center fielder is not currently on the Pirate roster. After the Pirates traded Starling Marte to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cherington said the team would address center field via free agency or the trade market. This has not happened yet, but it likely still will.

Outside of center field, the outfield is pretty set. Bryan Reynolds was one of the best hitters in the National League, rookie or otherwise, in 2019 and he will be in left field. Right field, as long as he is healthy, will belong to Gregory Polanco. Free agent signee Guillermo Heredia will be the team’s fourth outfielder.

As was mentioned when discussing the infield, Osuna, Gonzalez, and Riddle could all see time in the outfield, too. To be honest, Riddle will likely be the back up center fielder.

Now, if the Pirates do not add center field help between now and Opening Day, this slides Reynolds from left field to center and opens up left field. That will likely create more at bats for Osuna. It could also open the door for Jason Martin to crack the Opening Day roster, maybe in a platoon role with Osuna. However, again, it will be a surprise if they do not add center field help before Opening Day.

Prediction: Bryan Reynolds, Gregory Polanco, Guillermo Heredia, TBD