Pittsburgh Pirates: What the Opening Day Roster Should Be

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Oct 2, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Bryan Reynolds (10) hits an RBI triple against the Cincinnati Reds during the sixth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 8-6. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Outfield – Greg Allen, Bryan Reynolds, Ben Gamel

This is one that is likely to closely align with what the Pittsburgh Pirates take north. Offseason addition Greg Allen has been one of the stars of the spring and is pushing for not just a starting role, but potentially to be the team’s leadoff hitter.

Center field will obviously be Bryan Reynolds. He is the face of the franchise, the team’s best player, and one of the best all-around players in the entire National League. Reynolds is the center piece of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

After posting a 105 wRC+ with the Pirates last season Ben Gamel is now in line ot have a starting role, at least against right-handed pitchers, to start the 2022 season. While Gamel is far from the most talented player in the world you will be hard pressed to find a player that will give a better effort. Gamel will leave it all on the field and this endeared him with Pirate fans last season.

The one potential difference between this group and what the Pirates may have on Opening Day is the lack of Anthony Alford. While Alford may still break camp with the team this is something he has not earned.

Yes, Alford finished the 2021 season strong, but he has always struggled with the swing-and-miss in his professional career. This spring he is 0-for-10 with 7 strikeouts. It’s time for the Pirates to move on.

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