MLB team report: Is Andrew McCutchen part of the Pirates' plan in 2017?
About this series: Sports Weekly takes an in-depth look at each major league organization during the offseason, from the major leagues to the farm system. We start with teams with the worst records and move up. (First printed Jan. 4)
For the last several seasons, the Pirates have occupied the uncomfortable middle ground between a legitimate contender and a budget-conscious small-market franchise. After missing the playoffs for the first time in four years, they’re at least considering the possibility of trading franchise cornerstone Andrew McCutchen to accelerate the rebuilding process. USA TODAY Sports’ Steve Gardner takes an in-depth look at the team. (*Denotes prospect)
Catcher
Francisco Cervelli is the unquestioned starter and an asset on offense because of his excellent plate discipline (.377 on-base percentage in 2016). But he hit one home run in 326 at-bats and was below average defensively, according to most advanced metrics. Veteran Chris Stewart, 34, provides depth, while strong-armed Elias Diaz, 26, could work his way into the mix at some point. Depth chart: Cervelli, Stewart, Diaz, Jacob Stallings
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First base
The Pirates would love to have converted outfielder Josh Bell take over at first. The 24-year-old switch-hitter posted a .303/.373/.454 (batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage) line over five seasons in the minors but has been playing first base for only the last two years. A better hitter against right-handed pitchers, Bell will get the majority of his at-bats in a platoon with David Freese — unless the Pirates trade McCutchen and open a spot in the outfield. Freese, 33, signed a two-year extension in August and also is an option at third base. Depth chart: Bell, Freese, John Jaso, Jose Osuna
Second base
After several years as a valuable multiposition player, Josh Harrison found a permanent home at second in 2016. He had a .283 average but rarely walked and hit four homers. With Sean Rodriguez leaving via free agency, Adam Frazier will take over the utility role. Lefty-swinging Frazier, 25, hit .301 in 66 games after being promoted from the minors while playing mostly at second and in the outfield. Depth chart: Harrison, Frazier, Alen Hanson, Max Moroff, Chris Bostick
Shortstop
Jordy Mercer is a solid, if unspectacular, everyday shortstop. If he should need a day off, the Pirates have enough versatility among their infielders that Harrison, Hanson or Jung Ho Kang could easily step in. Kevin Newman, the team’s first-round pick in the 2015 draft, is an excellent contact hitter who could make his major league debut this season. Newman, 23, hit .320/.389/.426 at high Class A and Class AA in 2016. Depth chart: Mercer, Harrison, Hanson, Kang, Gift Ngoepe, *Newman
Third base
Kang was charged in a drunken-driving accident in his native South Korea this offseason, but the team doesn’t expect it to affect his status entering the season. He hit 21 home runs and led the Pirates in slugging percentage (.513), despite missing the first month of the season recovering from a serious knee injury from the previous September. Freese filled in admirably while Kang was out and should be the primary backup. Jaso is also expected to get reps at the position this spring. Depth chart: Kang, Freese, Jaso, Frazier
Left field
With the Pirates fading from playoff contention, Starling Marte played sparingly in September because of a back injury. But over the other five months, he was one of the league’s best outfielders. He set career highs in batting average (.311), slugging percentage (.456) and stolen bases (47) and made his first All-Star team. An outstanding defender as well, Marte won his second consecutive Gold Glove. He has the speed, arm and range to be an excellent center fielder if the need arises. Depth chart: Marte, Frazier, Harrison, Jaso, Willy Garcia
Center field
With one year left on his contract and a $14.75 million club option for 2018, McCutchen has been at the forefront of trade rumors this offseason. Things quieted down considerably after the Washington Nationals acquired center fielder Adam Eaton from the Chicago White Sox. But there’s a chance McCutchen could be dealt. He played through thumb and knee injuries in 2016, and his numbers suffered, on offense and defense. The question is whether, at 30, he’ll be able to rebound. There’s also a possibility he could move to a corner-outfield spot with Marte taking over in center. Keep an eye on top prospect Austin Meadows, 21, who’ll start the season at Class AAA. Depth chart: McCutchen, Marte, Eury Perez, *Meadows
Right field
Gregory Polanco showed glimpses of a potential breakout in 2016, but shoulder and knee injuries took their toll as he hit .220 after the All-Star break. Polanco’s power production did take a significant step forward over last season, going from nine home runs to 22 in fewer plate appearances. Bell could see time in right field if he’s not playing first base. Depth chart: Polanco, Frazier, Bell, Osuna, Garcia
Starting pitchers
An All-Star in 2015 when he finished fourth in the NL Cy Young Award voting, Gerrit Cole was limited to 21 starts last season when he missed more than a month because of a triceps injury and was shut down early with elbow inflammation. Neither of those should be a factor this spring. Jameson Taillon missed the 2014 and 2015 seasons with injuries but made his major league debut in June and posted a solid 3.38 ERA in 18 starts. Trade-deadline acquisition Ivan Nova re-signed with Pittsburgh after an exceptional 11 starts in which he struck out 52 batters and walked three. The final two spots in the rotation will be determined in spring training, with 23-year-old right-hander Tyler Glasnow the most intriguing of the group. Depth chart: RHP Cole, RHP Taillon, RHP Nova, RHP Chad Kuhl, LHP Steven Brault, *RHP Glasnow, RHP Drew Hutchison, RHP Trevor Williams
Bullpen
The Pirates traded impending free agent Mark Melancon in July and turned over the closer’s job to lefty Tony Watson for the final two months. He converted 15 of 18 save chances and likely cemented his hold on the job for 2017. Daniel Hudson is the only free agent the team has signed this offseason from outside the organization. With an upper 90s fastball, he’ll be next in line to close if needed. Lefty Felipe Rivero, acquired in the Melancon trade, struggled down the stretch but can be another power arm in high-leverage situations. Veteran Juan Nicasio can pitch multiple innings and spot-start if needed. Depth chart: LHP Watson, RHP Hudson, LHP Rivero, RHP Nicasio, LHP Antonio Bastardo, RHP Jared Hughes, LHP Tyler Webb, LHP Wade LeBlanc
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Offseason outlook
Finances will continue to play a major role with any free agent signings, and trades will most likely involve players with team-friendly contracts, such as Chicago White Sox left-hander Jose Quintana. If the Pirates do trade star center fielder Andrew McCutchen, they will seek pitching in return.
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Top five prospects
Excerpted from BaseballHQ.com’s 2017 Minor League Baseball Analyst. To order: Baseballhq.com/mlba2017:
1. Tyler Glasnow, RHP: Glasnow, 23, flashes a plus-plus mid-90s fastball with good downhill tilt, an upper-70s curve and a change-up that is a work in progress. He gets strikeouts by the bushel (168 in 140 innings in 2016) but needs to polish his control. He’ll have a chance to make the Pirates rotation this spring.
2. Josh Bell, 1B: Bell, 24, is a strong-bodied hitter with plus bat speed and raw power that eventually should result in 20-plus home runs a year. He held his own in a late-season call-up with an advanced understanding of the strike zone and an ability to shoot lines drives to all fields. Bell likely will start at first base.
3. Austin Meadows, OF: Meadows’ compact left-handed stroke causes the ball to jump off his bat. He hits for power (12 home runs in 308 at-bats) and covers ground well in center field. With good patience and consistent contact at the plate, the 21-year-old has the tools to be an impact player. He’ll open at Class AAA.
4. Kevin Newman, SS: The 2015 first-rounder hit .320 between advanced Class A and Class AA. Newman, 23, has hand-eye coordination and strike zone judgment but below-average power. He runs well with good range and arm and should stick at shortstop. He’ll begin at Class AAA.
5. Mitch Keller, RHP: After an injury limited his innings in 2015, Keller made mechanical adjustments that decreased his walks (19 in 130 1/3 innings). His fastball comes in at 93-96 mph. Several years away, Keller, 20, will start at advanced Class A.
Rob Gordon
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