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Pittsburgh Pirates 2015 MLB season preview and predictions

By Will Osgood

Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Starling Marte (6) and center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) and right fielder Gregory Polanco (25) react in the outfield after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park. The Pirates won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Starling Marte (6) and center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) and right fielder Gregory Polanco (25) react in the outfield after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park. The Pirates won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 3, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez (24) celebrates after hitting a three-run home run during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez (24) celebrates after hitting a three-run home run during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

3 Keys for Success

  1. Improve defensively

As already noted, the Pirates were the worst defensive team in the National League, at least based on number of errors. Some of that can be chalked up to the fact that between McCutche, Starlin Marte and youngster Gregory Polanco, the Pirates cover so much ground in the outfield that they may be overaggressive in trying to make plays.

Some of it, too, can be chalked up to mediocre defense on the corner infield spots as well as with Jordy Mercer and Neil Walker up the middle. But it’s pretty clear that with the latter half of the starting rotation being comprised of pitchers who pitch to contact, the Pirates must improve defensively.

  1. Get production from more than McCutchen offensively

We’ve already talked about the ability of McCutchen to carry a team offensively. But the truth is that he cannot do it alone. At some point, he needs help.

The Pirates are counting on free agent acquisitions Corey Hart, Jung-ho Kang and Francisco Cervelli to help in that department. They’re also hoping that Starling Marte and Pedro Alvarez can return to their 2013 form. And if Josh Harrison, in a utility role, can match his 2014 production, this outfit should again be one of the best offensive teams in the National League.

Those are big ifs, but this team is clearly talented enough to score enough runs for the Pirates to win the NL Central.

  1. Handle being favorites in the NL Central

Prior to 2013, the Pirates knew not what it meant to be one of the best teams in baseball. Headed into last year, there were some expectations, but questions persisted about whether 2013 was a fluke. 2014 proved it was not.

Now the Pirates enter a season as the favorite in the NL Central. How will this outfit, led by Clint Hurdle and put together Neil Huntington, handle the expectation that they’re again headed for the playoffs?

And can they handle being expected to not only make the playoffs but make some legitimate noise once there? The NL is stacked right now. The Pirates, Cardinals, Nationals, Giants, Dodgers and maybe even Padres are all teams who enter the season as potentially legitimate pennant teams. That doesn’t mention potential breakout teams like the Marlins and Cubs.

Are the Pirates ready to handle the pressure and the intense competition of the better league in baseball?

Next: Can the Pirates take the next step?

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