Pittsburgh Pirates: Potential Shortstop Options For 2021

Sep 18, 2020; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Kevin Newman (27) throws to first base to complete a double play against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2020; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Kevin Newman (27) throws to first base to complete a double play against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 27, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Freddy Galvis (3) turns the second half of a double play off the bat of Minnesota Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) during the eighth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Freddy Galvis (3) turns the second half of a double play off the bat of Minnesota Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) during the eighth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Other Options

As you have likely come to realize from reading the first three slides of this article, the internal shortstop options for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021 are not great. Well, at least until Oneil Cruz reaches the Major League level. However, there is no guarantee that Cruz reaches the Majors in 2021, nor is it a guarantee that he sticks at shortstop.

The Pittsburgh Pirates could look to the free agent market for shortstop help. A veteran stop gap such as Freddy Galvis or Jonathan Villar could make sense, especially if they are not confident in Gonzalez, Newman or Tucker at shortstop.

Honestly, it might behoove the Pirates to give Tucker an extended look to decide once and for all if he can be the shortstop of the future or not. And, again, what they do at shortstop could hinge on what happens with Frazier.

It would be a surprise if Frazier is not traded this offseason. But if he is not, that could push Newman to shortstop. Unless, the Pirates believe he is best suited as a utility man. Regardless, what to do at shortstop is a question that Cherington, Derek Shelton, and the rest of the Pirat brain trust will have to answer this offseason.

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