Pittsburgh Pirates Opening Day Roster Prediction

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 17: Bryan Reynolds #10 of the Pittsburgh Pirates scores during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on September 17, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 17: Bryan Reynolds #10 of the Pittsburgh Pirates scores during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on September 17, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Mar 18, 2022; Bradenton, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Greg Allen (24) rounds second after hitting a two run home run against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning during spring training at LECOM Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2022; Bradenton, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Greg Allen (24) rounds second after hitting a two run home run against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning during spring training at LECOM Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /

Outfield – Greg Allen, Bryan Reynolds, Ben Gamel

This is a position group whose outlook has changed since the start of spring training. At the outset of the spring it appeared that Greg Allen, who was claimed off waivers early in the offseason, would have to earn a roster spot. Not only has Allen earned that roster spot it appears he may have found a home with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Allen has posted a strong 1.145 OPS this spring. He has hit a pair of home runs and gotten on base in more than half his trips to the plate with a .520 on-base percentage. At this point all signs point toward the switch-hitter being the team’s starting left fielder.

While it came in a very small sample size, Allen is coming off a career best season with the New York Yankees in 2021. It is possible that something has finally clicked with the ex-Cleveland outfielder allowing him to turn a corner. Regardless, it is worth the Pittsburgh Pirates giving him an extended look.

Bryan Reynolds needs no explanation. He is the team’s best player and one of the best all-around players in baseball. He should be the center piece for the Pittsburgh Pirates once again this season.

As for Gamel, after posting a 105 wRC+ with the Pirates last season he appeared to be in good shape to earn a starting job in 2022. He ha had a strong spring and appears to have solidified himself as the Opening Day right fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates.