As the Pirates season comes to an abrupt end after 98 win, we take a look at what the players did to get them there and what is next for them. Today, we take a look at the starting lineup for most of the season:
The Starters
Francisco Cervelli (C):
The Season: Acquired in the offseason from the New York Yankees, Cervelli was a rock behind the plate for the Pirates this season. The backstop hit .295 in 130 games slugging .401 with an on-base percentage of .370. Defensively speaking, Cervelli eclipsed playing in over 100 games for the first time in his career. With a contract of less than $1 million for the season, he was a very productive replacement for Russell Martin who left via free agency. Cervelli also carried a 3.8 Wins Above Replacement at the end of the season.
What’s Next?: Cervelli is eligible for arbitration this offseason. With his performance in his first year as a full-time starting catcher, he is expected to fetch a decent raise in arbitration. Expect the Pirates to give him the raise he deserves as Cervelli is one of the keys to success for the pitching staff. Plan on seeing 29 back behind the plate next year for the Pirates.
Pedro Alvarez (1B):
The Season: Alvarez spent the 2015 season learning a new position, first base, on the fly after spending his career at third base. At the plate, Alvarez hit .243 with 27 home runs and 70 RBI in the 150 regular season games he played in. Overall, offensively Alvarez was better in 2015 than 2014 which is a good improvement over last season’s disappointments. However, defensively, a learning curve and growing pains were to be expected with the position change essentially going on throughout the season. This learning curve was to the tune of a major league leading 23 errors.
What’s Next?: It is safe to say Pedro has possibly had his last at bat as a Pirates given he did not start the Wild Card game against the Cubs, yet was inserted when the Pirates were down. Alvarez is arbitration eligible this offseason after making $5.75 million in 2015. While Alvarez is usually good for 25-30 home runs per year, it is tough to validate an increase in salary for a player with 20-plus errors even though that number should go down next year. Expect Alvarez to be back for one last go around with the Pirates as he becomes the stop-gap until prospect Josh Bell is ready for the big show.
Neil Walker (2B):
The Season: Walker maintained his health throughout the season playing in 151 games, the most since 2011. The switch-hitting second basemen hit .269 with 16 home runs and 71 RBI while scoring 69 runs for the Pirates this year. The key to Walker’s season was his ability to escape the season with out being injured. Walker finished with 2.4 WAR defensively.
What’s Next?: Walker, another arbitration eligible Pirate, is expected to test free agency this off-season. It is tough to envision the Pittsburgh Kid in anything other than a Pirates jersey, but with deep infield depth at the minor league and major league level it is likely to see him traded or sign with another team. His age also does not help his cause as far as extensions go. Expect Josh Harrison to transition into an everyday role at second base if Walker and the Pirates part ways this offseason.
Aramis Ramirez (3B):
The Season: Ramirez started his career with the Pirates in 1998 after coming up through the Pirates farm system. His career took him to Chicago to play for the Cubs then to Milwaukee and back to Pittsburgh at the trade deadline this year. Appearing mostly at third base, Ramirez hit .246 between Milwaukee and Pittsburgh totaling 17 home runs and 75 RBI. Playing third base as well as first base for the first time in his career, Ramirez moved to everyday duties when Jung Ho Kang went down with an injury.
What’s Next?: According to Ramirez, 2015 was his final year playing professional baseball. There is no reason not to believe him unlike other professional players. Expect Jung Ho Kang to move to third base full time next year to solidify the left side of the Pirates infield.
Jordy Mercer (SS):
The Season: Mercer started the season cold just like he did last year, however, right as he was turning it on at the plate, he was hurt on a questionable slide by Carlos Gomez of the Brewers at the time. Hitting .244 over 116 games, Mercer had the lowest offensive output of his career. With an above average glove at shortstop, he came back to the line up just prior to Kang getting hurt. With Kang out, Mercer transitioned back into the every day shortstop.
What’s Next?: With it being unknown when Kang will be back from his knee injury, Mercer is slotted as the everyday shortstop for the time being. Look for Mercer to be the everyday shortstop next season as well with Kang filling in when necessary to give Mercer a day off. Also, do not be surprised to see Mercer play a little second base next year as well if Walker is not on the team.
Starling Marte (LF):
The Season: Marte was one of the more consistent hitters for the Pirates for a majority of the season. The left fielder ended the regular season hitting .287 while also slugging 19 home runs and swiping 30 bases. One-third of potentially the best outfield in baseball, Marte led all outfielders with 15 outfield assists. With a batting stance that hugs the inside of the plate, Marte is prone to being plunked by opposing pitchers with 19 hit by pitches occurring in 2015. Those HBP will be something to watch for next year as he tries to maintain his health.
What’s Next?: Marte will be the everyday left fielder for several years to come barring major injury or unforeseen circumstances. Look for Marte to improve on defense next year even with the year he had with the glove in 2015. Marte has the potential to be a 30 home run, 30 stolen base type player before his career is said and done. The 19 HBP and where they hit him on his body are sure to have sapped some of his power numbers this season. Expect his power numbers to improve as he heads into the season healthy.
Andrew McCutchen (CF):
The Season: McCutchen got off to a slow start in March and April hitting .198 in those months. In May, McCutchen morphed into the MVP candidate Pittsburgh has grown accustomed to, hitting .330 for the month. Ending the season hitting .290, McCutchen improved in every offensive category aside from stolen bases in 2015 compared to 2014. The center fielder finished the season with a 5.8 WAR down from 6.9 last year.
What’s Next? For McCutchen, the sky is still the limit and as growth and the success continue for the Pirates he will remain a perennial MVP candidate in centerfield. Expect McCutchen to return to the third spot in the batting order again next year as not many changes will be going on in the outfield this offseason. Should McCutchen stay healthy, he will have the opportunity to compete for the MVP as well as other individual honors in 2016.
Gregory Polanco (RF):
The Season: El Coffee made the jaws of fans drop for many reasons this year, for reasons stemming from the disastrous to the incredible. Polanco grew as a professional athlete before the eyes of Pittsburgh this summer. His struggles magnified early in the season as the team struggled itself followed by a second-half resurgence where at times Polanco was the best hitter in the lineup. As Polanco continues to grow and become better with the glove, the Pirates outfield will get even better than what it already is. Polanco had 13 outfield assists this season to go along with Marte’s 19.
What’s Next?: Now with a full season of ebbs and flows under his belt, 2016 looks to be a breakout season for Polanco. Another 30 home run, 30 stolen base type player, Polanco’s power numbers should improve drastically next year as long as his health remains in good condition. His overall knowledge of where a play should go and where the ball needs to be thrown will improve as well meaning his errors and misplays in the outfield should go down. Expect Polanco to be at the top of the lineup opening day next year for the Pirates.
