Pittsburgh Pirates Minors: Projecting Triple-A Indy’s Roster

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 15: Jared Oliva #34 of the Peoria Javelinas (Pittsburgh Pirates) bats against the Salt River Rafters during an Arizona Fall League game at Peoria Sports Complex on October 16, 2019 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 15: Jared Oliva #34 of the Peoria Javelinas (Pittsburgh Pirates) bats against the Salt River Rafters during an Arizona Fall League game at Peoria Sports Complex on October 16, 2019 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Outfield

Jared Oliva will be the starting center fielder for Indianapolis when the season begins. If Oliva continues to develop the way he has, especially if he can add a tick more power, he could be the Pittsburgh Pirates starting center fielder by the end of the season.

Coming off of shoulder surgery, Jason Martin will likely start most days in the outfield as well. While Martin’s offense struggles, and defensive struggles in center field, with his speed the Pirates may still view him as a potential fourth outfielder at the MLB level.

Minor league free agent signings Charlie Tilson and Socrates Brito will compete for at bats in the outfield as well. Both players have MLB experience, and both could be quality options for the Pirates as a fourth outfielder if their outfield experiences any injuries this season. In fact, last week we discussed the curious case of Brito which you can read here.

This is one position that will undoubtedly see fluctuation throughout the season. It is a safe bet that at least two of these four players will see MLB time in 2020. Previously mentioned utility man Jake Elmore could also see playing time in the outfield.

Left field – Jason Martin
Center field – Jared Oliva
Right field/fourth outfielder – Charlie Tilson and Socrates Brito