Pittsburgh Pirates: Very Early 2022 Opening Day Lineup Preview

Third Baseman: Ke’Bryan Hayes

I think it’s fair to say Hayes will be the starter at third base for the next decade worth of Opening Days. His first full professional season has been a struggle at the plate. His shortened season production in 2020 was phenomenal so it’s clear to see that the potential is there for him to hit.

Defensively, however, Hayes might already be the best defensive player in the National League, if not the majors. He’ll win a handful of Gold Gloves at the hot corner.

Over the course of the last few weeks the Pirates have bumped Hayes into the leadoff spot. His production has begun to increase since the move. In 13 games leading off, Hayes is batting .298 with four RBI’s.

Fighting a wrist injury on top of a sophomore slump, Hayes has stayed rather positive in a trying season. His ability to really drive the ball has certainly been hindered by the injury so a full offseason should help him get fully healthy.

He’ll be back stronger and better in 2022.

Shortstop: Kevin Newman

A few weeks ago it was fair to wonder if Kevin Newman would even be on the 40-man roster next season. His late season hitting resurgence likely confirms he’ll at least be the Opening Day starter in 2022.

Newman’s not flashy at short by any means but he doesn’t make many errors. He deserves credit for that. But he is a former first round pick that was praised for his ability to hot for a high average at the major league level. He’s turned that praise into being a career .257 hitter.

His season average sits at .224 but his .298 average over the past two weeks is largely the reason why it is even that high. With virtually no pop, Newman needs to hit for average to stick as a starter in the big leagues.

With Oneil Cruz lurking, Newman will have to really state his case to stick with Pittsburgh beyond 2022. Hoy Park figures to get some time here as well and Diego Castillo could be a factor for the Pittsburgh Pirates as well.