$Predicting The Pittsburgh Pirates\' 2016 Opening Day Lineup$

Predicting The Pittsburgh Pirates' 2016 Opening Day Lineup

By Brad Faber

After making postseason appearances in each of the past three seasons, it should be safe to say that the Pittsburgh Pirates have become an NL Central force. Going into this coming season, the team may look a little bit different with the subtractions of players such as Pedro Alvarez, Neil Walker and A.J. Burnett, but the Bucs could still have enough to hang with the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals once again. Here is an early prediction of what their opening day lineup may look like.

$Predicting The Pittsburgh Pirates\' 2016 Opening Day Lineup$

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Gregory Polanco, RF — While he hasn't exactly broken out at the plate yet, Gregory Polanco is only 24 years old and his speed and athleticism make him a solid leadoff option. Polanco may very well be poised to take his game to the next level in 2016 as well.

Josh Harrison, 2B — Although he wasn't quite able to duplicate his exceptional 2014 season last year, Josh Harrison still hit a very respectable .287/.327/.390 through 114 games. Harrison's ability to make consistent contact makes him a good option for the two-hole.

Andrew McCutchen, CF — A perennial MVP candidate and one of the best players in the game, Andrew McCutchen can be expected to take his rightful place in center field and bat third. Since 2011, McCutchen's 33.4 fWAR ranks second among outfielders, trailing only Mike Trout.

Jung-ho Kang, 3B — In his first season stateside, Jung-ho Kang hit .287/.355/.461 with 15 homers and 58 RBIs. His status for opening day appears to be up in the air after undergoing leg surgery, but if he is healthy, one can look for him to be starting at third base.

Starling Marte, LF — After hitting .287/.337/.444 with a career-high 19 homers last year, Starling Marte has now had three great years in a row. Marte will obviously be key player for the Bucs once again this coming season.

Francisco Cervelli, C — In his first season with the Pirates, Francisco Cervelli did just about everything the Bucs could have asked in 2015, putting up a 3.8 fWAR over 130 games. He should give the club a solid backstop once again in 2016.

John Jaso, 1B — Although he won't give the Bucs the type of power that Alvarez did, John Jaso has been a good hitter, compiling a .263/.361/.406 slash line across seven seasons. Pittsburgh also has the right-handed hitting Michael Morse who can platoon with Jaso.

Jordy Mercer, SS — Although he may not provide a huge bat, per se, Jordy Mercer is still a good MLB player. The 29-year-old had a 2.0 UZR/150 through 986.1 innings at shortstop last year.

Gerrit Cole, P — Although he has reportedly been dealing with rib inflammation, Gerrit Cole should be a pretty safe bet to be the Bucs' opening day starter until it is announced otherwise. Cole finished fourth in the NL Cy Young voting in 2015.

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