Over the last several years, the Pittsburgh Pirates have emerged as legitimate contenders in the National League. However, just getting into the postseason can be difficult in the NL Central, where teams have little margin for error. If a team expects to win the division, or at least settle for a wild card spot, things have to go their way over the course of the season and they need to stay healthy. Here are five players the Pirates need to avoid injury in 2016.
5. Francisco Cervelli
Brad Penner - USATODAY SportsThe Pirates gave Cervelli the chance to be a No. 1 catcher for the first time in his career last season, and he rewarded them with a strong offensive season. Like most teams, the Pirates don't have a lot of depth behind the plate, so heading into 2016 they're relying on Cervelli to be their primary catcher and put up comparable numbers to what he provided last season. Pittsburgh can't afford to be without him in 2016.
4. Jung Ho Kang
David Kohl - USATODAY Sports
Before suffering an injury late in the season, Kang had become one of Pittsburgh's most important and productive offensive players. He should be back early in the 2016 season, and the Pirates need him to come back healthy and stay that way. Kang's ability to play both shortstop and third base, not to mention the offensive production he's capable of providing, make him one of Pittsburgh's most important players.
3. Starling Marte
Getty ImagesPittsburgh's success in 2016 largely depends on their biggest strength, which is their outfield. Marte has enough of a track record to where the Pirates know what to expect from him. Considering the uncertainty of what they may get offensively from their infielders, Pittsburgh needs Marte to stay healthy and have a standout season in 2016 if they are to compete in the NL Central.
2. Gerrit Cole
Getty ImagesThe Pirates have a solid five-man rotation, as well as a couple talented prospects waiting in the wings, but no one on their staff is close to a bona fide ace outside of Cole. Having depth in their rotation is one thing, but no team is going anywhere in the National League if they don't have an ace fronting their rotation. Pittsburgh has no replacement for Cole if he were to go down with an injury, making him an essential part of the team's success in 2016.
1. Andrew McCutchen
Charles LeClaire - USATODAY SportsMcCutchen is obviously Pittsburgh's best player and one of the most valuable players in the National League. The Pirates will need their outfield to carry them this season, and without McCutchen they don't have an outfield capable of doing that. Losing McCutchen for any amount of time due to injury would be disastrous for Pittsburgh's 2016 season.
