Reynolds/Polanco Add Intrigue to Outfield Trio
The Pittsburgh Pirates outfield took a hit this off-season with the loss of Sterling Marte putting a spotlight in center field. However, a young Bryan Reynolds and a healthy Gregory Polanco add excitement to the group in 2020.
The trend will continue in 2020 as Bryan Reynolds, Jarrod Dyson, and Gregory Polanco are the projected opening day starters. The Pirates lose Sterling Marte's 23 home runs and 82 RBI but return Rookie of the Year Candidate Reynolds and a healthy Polanco.
It was a nasty collision between Marte and Erick Gonzalez that brought Reynolds onto the scene and he ran with his opportunity. The Pirates number eight prospect would finish fourth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting hitting .314 with 16 home runs and 68 RBI. He earned his keep on the Pirates roster and went from being called up by necessity to earning an everyday starting job.
Reynolds has the ability to play all three outfield positions but he saw the most playing time in left a year ago. Reynolds played 626 innings in left and committed just three errors for a .978 fielding percentage. Reynolds will more than likely be the opening day left fielder after the signing of Dyson allowing him to continue to grow and develop.
After nobody was able to lock down the right field position last season, Polanco returns to man the Clementine wall in his first healthy season since 2018. Polanco appeared in just 42 games last season and hit six home runs driving in 17 RBI. After having shoulder surgery following the 2017 season Polanco has not yet appeared in more than 130 games in a season.
When healthy, Polanco has been a staple in the middle of the Pirates lineup. He has hit 20 or more home runs twice in his career and his power numbers will have to come back in 2020. With the loss of Marte's power, Polanco could step up and replace that loss giving Bell some protection in the clean-up spot.
One of the biggest questions with Polanco entering 2020 is his defensive ability. Prior to his surgery, he had one of the strongest arms in the game. He regularly was able to throw our runners at all four bases and added another level of depth to the Pirates defense. The Pirates are looking for Polanco to get back to form and play a big role on both sides of the ball.
The newest edition to the Pirates outfield is Jarrod Dyson, who signed a one-year two million dollar deal on February 13th 2020. Dyson brings with him world series experience and 10 years of Major League experience. He was a member of the 2015 World Champion Kansas City Royals and brings speed to center field.
Dyson's offense has slipped in his later years hitting .230 with seven home runs and 27 RBI as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, when he does get on base, he should be able to create havoc for opposing pitchers. Dyson stole 30 bags a year ago marking the fifth time in his career that he had 30+ stolen bases.
The speed will be a big part of Dyson's game as he takes over in center field. Defense has been his strong suit throughout his career and he kept that trend going committing just one error in center field in just over 600 innings last season. Dyson will look to put that speed on display as he covers the left field notch in a spacious center field.
The Pirates outfield looks to play a big factor in the middle of the Pirates lineup. Reynolds looks to be the Pirates three-hole hitter while Polanco should slip in at number five when he gets back in rhythm. A healthy outfield could be the key to the Pirates success in 2020 and could be the difference between a sub-.500 team and a competitive club.
The Pittsburgh Pirates open their spring training schedule on Saturday February 22nd when they face the Minnesota Twins at 1:05 p.m.
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