Pittsburgh Pirates: Examining What the Opening Day Outfield Could Look Like

Potential Others in the Mix

If Ji Hwan Bae makes the Opening Day roster as a utility player, then he could factor into the center field equation as well. Late in games, he could go to center field for defense, with Suwinski sliding over to right field. He could also spell Suwinski against left-handed pitching due to Bae always being a reverse splits hitter. That said, as of now Jared Triolo would appear to have a leg up for the utility role off the Pirate bench.

Joshua Palacios could be in the mix as well. He did some good things for the Pirates in clutch situations last season and brought a lot of energy to the team. That said, he was a negative WAR player with an 83 wRC+ and 86 OPS+. While he could compete to be the platoon partner with Olivares, due to having minor league options remaining, odds are, Palacios starts the season in the minors.

Connor Joe could also play the corner outfield positions, but it's more likely that he will platoon with Rowdy Tellez at first base. Joe is coming off a sneaky strong 2023 season in which he posted a 107 wRC+ and OPS+.

Joe will factor into the team's Opening Day roster in some fashion. While it will likely be as a platoon partner with Tellez, he could also see time in the outfield at various points throughout the 2024 season.