2021 was a horribly good season. Additions, removals and call ups bring some hope for a not bad 2022 season. Lets look at the current roster.

First Base: Yoshi Tsutsugo had a monster 2022 with the Pirates more so when you take into account the rest of his MLB time. In 2021 he did horrible in Tampa, horrible in LA but once he got to the Pirates and got more time in, he did rather well. He was rewarded with a decent contract to stay. Colin Moran was let go.

Second Base: Middle infield will be interesting we will likely see Chavis, a newer addition to the MLB team. who had a decent (very short) sample in Pittsburgh. Kevin Newman who quietly rebounded the second half to not be totally horrible at the plate and Cole Tucker who also had a reasonable second half. Adam Frazier was traded last summer.

Short Stop: Again we are look at Newman and Tucker, but O’neil Cruz will probably get the spot. Cruz’s situation is a bit more unique. He is rather large for a SS but can likely stick there at least for a while.

Third Base: Ke’bryan Hayes all the way.

Outfield: Bryan Reynolds was a beast last year. Ben Gamel had a reasonable year but nothing special. After that there isn’t much of note. We will probably see a low cost signing here as a placeholder. They did get Greg Allen but unless his bat picks up he may not make it through spring.

Catcher: Roberto Perez his Gold Glove is why he is here. Jacob Stallings (also a gold glover) is gone but as good as he is, he wasn’t able to pull out the full potential of some of our pitchers. Perhaps Perez can. Perez has also shown some power during his only full season. Here is hoping that picks up again. After Perez there isn’t much exciting on the roster unless you count Davis who is still a ways out.

Starting Pitchers: Jose Quintana was recently signed. He has had some decent seasons in recent past but really dropped off. At this point he is likely a back end starter, but higher with the Pirates. Zach Thompson recently aquired in the Stallings trade should also be a quality pitcher. He profiles more of a midrotation type guy if he continues his ways. J.T. Brubaker had a fair season that his ERA really doesn’t reflect how ever he is more of a back end guy. Roansy Contreras is an exciting prospect. He has potential to be a top half of the rotation guy but starting out he will be fighting for a 4/5 slot. Bryce Wilson will also be looking in to the rotation. The rest of those who have a shot to be in the rotation we are looking at Will Crowe, Miguel Yajure and Mitch Keller. All three havn’t done well but given their control they will be given whatever time the team can give them.

Relief Pitching. Nothing too exciting here. who ever doesn’t make the rotation will be here. Duane Underwood Jr. will probably be in there.

All this means. The pirates in 2022 are not a playoff team, but being better than the past two seasons is a more than fair expectation. Mid season callups will help to decide what way the team goes in 2023.