Pittsburgh Pirates Opening Day Roster Prediction
By Marty Leap
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.