Series Preview: Pirates open the season in Miami against the Marlins

The wait is finally over - on Thursday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Pirates will begin their 2024 season in Miami against the Miami Marlins. 

Mar 20, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz (15) doubles during the
Mar 20, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz (15) doubles during the | Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 4

Marlins' projected lineup

The Marlins have not announced their opening day lineup yet, but their projected starters at each position are expected to be the following with their 2023 stats (batting average/on-base percentage/slugging).

A reminder that 100 OPS+ is considered league average.

C Christian Bethancourt: .225/.254/.381, 11 HR, 33 RBI, 74 OPS+

1B Josh Bell: .247.325/.419, 22 HR, 74 RBI, 104 OPS+

2B Luis Arraez: .354/.393/.469, 10 HR, 69 RBI, 133 OPS+

3B Jake Burger: .250/.309/.518, 34 HR, 80 RBI, 120 OPS+

SS Tim Anderson: .245/.286/.296, 1 HR, 25 RBI, 60 OPS+

LF Jesus Sanchez: .353/.327/.450 , 14 HR, 52 RBI, 108 OPS+

CF Jazz Chisholm: .250/.304/.457, 19 HR, 51 RBI, 103 OPS+

RF Bryan De La Cruz: .257/.304/.411, 19 HR, 78 RBI, 92 OPS+

DH Avisail Garcia: .185/.241/.315, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 50 OPS+

Schedule