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5 Biggest Questions Facing Pittsburgh Pirates Going Into Opening Day 2016

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Charles LeClaire - USA Today Sports

Fair or not, the Pittsburgh Pirates have become a forgotten team in the NL Central. Despite three straight trips to the postseason as a Wild Card, there are doubts about Pittsburgh’s ability to contend and return to the postseason in 2016. The Pirates have undergone plenty of roster changes this offseason, which naturally has produced some questions. Here are the five biggest questions facing the Pirates on opening day of the 2016 season.

5. When Will Prospects Be Ready?

When Will Prospects Be Ready? Kim Klement - USATODAY Sports
The Pirates have a number of x-factors in the minor leagues who could come up and give them a boost in 2016, but how soon can they be ready? Pitchers Tyler Glasnow and Jameson Taillon are both talented enough to be frontline starters, but how soon can they be ready and when will the Pirates be willing to bring them up? First baseman Josh Bell and second baseman Alen Hanson also have a chance to make an impact at some point in 2016.

The Pirates have a number of x-factors in the minor leagues who could come up and give them a boost in 2016, but how soon can they be ready? Pitchers Tyler Glasnow and Jameson Taillon are both talented enough to be frontline starters, but how soon can they be ready and when will the Pirates be willing to bring them up? First baseman Josh Bell and second baseman Alen Hanson also have a chance to make an impact at some point in 2016.

4. How Much Can David Freese Contribute?

How Much Can David Freese Contribute? Jerome Miron - USATODAY Sports
Freese could end up being a big signing for the Pirates. He'll man third base until Jung Ho Kang can return from injury, but can he prove himself to be worthy of playing every day for the Pirates, whether that means staying at third or being part of the solution at first base?

Freese could end up being a big signing for the Pirates. He'll man third base until Jung Ho Kang can return from injury, but can he prove himself to be worthy of playing every day for the Pirates, whether that means staying at third or being part of the solution at first base?

3. Can Gregory Polanco Provide More Power?

Can Gregory Polanco Provide More Power? Getty Images
With Pedro Alvarez and Neil Walker no longer around, the Pirates need to add some power from other sources, and they may be looking to Polanco to be that power source. With his 6-foot-5 frame, hitting nine home runs last year was a disappointment. But he's young enough to still have that power show up. Will 2016 be the year that it does?

With Pedro Alvarez and Neil Walker no longer around, the Pirates need to add some power from other sources, and they may be looking to Polanco to be that power source. With his 6-foot-5 frame, hitting nine home runs last year was a disappointment. But he's young enough to still have that power show up. Will 2016 be the year that it does?

2. Can Back End of Rotation Hold Up?

Can Back End of Rotation Hold Up? Kim Klement - USATODAY Sports
Francisco Liriano and Gerrit Cole give the Pirates a 1-2 punch at the top of their rotation that can match up with nearly any team in baseball, but how good are their other starters? Can Jon Niese by a legitimate No. 3? Is Juan Nicasio for real after an incredible performance this spring? Can Jeff Locke rebound from a poor 2015? Can these guys hold down the fort or will the team have to rush Glasnow and Taillon to the majors?

Francisco Liriano and Gerrit Cole give the Pirates a 1-2 punch at the top of their rotation that can match up with nearly any team in baseball, but how good are their other starters? Can Jon Niese by a legitimate No. 3? Is Juan Nicasio for real after an incredible performance this spring? Can Jeff Locke rebound from a poor 2015? Can these guys hold down the fort or will the team have to rush Glasnow and Taillon to the majors?

1. Will Platoon At First Base Last?

Will Platoon At First Base Last? Jeff Curry - USATODAY Sports
The Pirates will start the season with Michael Morse and John Jaso in a platoon at first base, but is that a long-term answer? If it doesn't prove to be enough, Freese could factor in at first base, while prospect Josh Bell is waiting in the wings and could prove to be ready for the majors at some point in 2016.

The Pirates will start the season with Michael Morse and John Jaso in a platoon at first base, but is that a long-term answer? If it doesn't prove to be enough, Freese could factor in at first base, while prospect Josh Bell is waiting in the wings and could prove to be ready for the majors at some point in 2016.

Bryan Zarpentine is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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