Ships Ahoy to a New Era in The Steel City

PNC Park in Pittsburgh 

Over the course of the past week, the Pirates have caused quite a stir as they sent their ace, Gerrit Cole, to Houston for a package that included four different pieces which was quickly followed by a trade of the franchise icon, Andrew McCutchen, to the Bay Area in exchange of two pieces and $500,000 dollars in international bonus pool money. To say that these moves caused only a little controversy would be a huge understatement given how the Buccos fan base responded, the industry evaluated both trades, and the perception that the front office gave everyone outside of the organization.

For Gerrit Cole, Pittsburgh received back right-handed pitchers, Joe Musgrove and Michael Feliz, both of whom should pitch this season at the big league level, along with third baseman, Colin Moran, who looks to fill the hole that the Buccos currently have at third base, and outfield prospect, Jason Martin. A few days later in the Andrew McCutchen trade with the Giants, the Pirates received back a valuable bullpen piece in right-hander, Kyle Crick, along with another outfield prospect, Bryan Reynolds. And it doesn't look like Neal Huntington & Company plan on stopping there.

Just yesterday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, wrote an article and included a statement from current second baseman, Josh Harrison, that basically stated that he wanted to be traded to a contender and didn't want to stick around if the Pirates didn't plan on being relevant for the next few seasons. It has yet to be seen if the Pirates are serious about trading him or if a trade will materialize before Spring Training rolls around, but nonetheless, it's something to keep an eye on as there are a few teams that have at least expressed interest in his services including the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers. Harrison has been a staple for the Pirates during their recent success and was easily their most productive player last season, but it appears as though his tenure in the Steel City could be coming to an end.

Now, if you talk to any Pirates fan right now, they are extremely disappointed and confused. Disappointed in the fact that owner, Robert Nutting, didn't step up and put the money on the table to extend their franchise icon in, Andrew McCutchen, and confused regarding what the blueprint for the Buccos looks like moving forward. Certainly, it is understandable why so many fans in the Steel City are disappointed, but that doesn't mean everything is doom and gloom for the Pirates even heading into this coming season.

Jameson Taillon 

Looking at the team on paper, there is quite a bit of talent when you look at each individual piece and the potential that the starting rotation has. Jameson Taillon, who was out until June of last year dealing with testicular cancer, could take a big step forward as soon as this season and become the next ace. Don't sleep on Chad Kuhl, Trevor Williams, or Tyler Glasnow either all of whom still haven't reached their full peak and could take significant strides forward over the coming seasons. Sure, each has struggled in some regard at the big league level, but could easily form a great group of starters as the next era descends.

On the offensive side, Josh Bell, who had a phenomenal rookie season last year with 26 home runs and 90 RBI, looks like he should be able to at least pick up for some of the loss in offense from the Andrew McCutchen trade and if Gregory Polanco and Starling Marte, are able to stay healthy and on the field this season, they too could provide some thump. Those three could be huge bats for the Buccos moving forward and help increase their chances of making the postseason as soon as this coming season.

Furthermore, there are plenty of veteran depth options for the Pirates, who can come off the bench and help groom the team's young players in, Sean Rodriguez, Jordy Mercer, and Adam Freese. Beyond that, don't sleep on the Pirates farm system either which isn't the best system in the MLB, but does rank in the Top 10. According to MLB Pipeline last March, the Buccos had the 7th best farm system in the league which should provide some relief for those fans who are panicked about the future of the team and what the blueprint looks like moving forward.

Francisco Cervelli

Although the Pirates look destined to return to the postseason sooner rather than later, that doesn't mean they couldn't use an upgrade or two here and there. For instance, Francisco Cervelli, has long been the team's primary catcher, but seems to always fall victim to an injury during the course of the season which significantly effects the Pirates pitching staff and how much success they can have. Given, that the team would currently rely on 27-year old, Elias Diaz, if Cervelli did go down again, it might be best to consider upgrading at that position. Someone like free agents, Alex Avila or Jonathan Lucroy, would be good fits for the Buccos moving forward.

In addition to that need, the team might also be wise to look for a short-term starting pitcher who can mentor the team's young pitchers and look to help bridge the gap in their development. Someone who fits that bill is John Lackey who the team could ink to a one-year deal. While Lackey hinted at a potential retirement before the season began, it appears as though he wants to return again and given the fact that he is used to pitching within the NL Central, since he spent the past two seasons with the Chicago Cubs, he would be a great choice.

Although some might argue otherwise, the Pirates certainly have a path to contention as soon as this coming season assuming everything goes according to plan and all of the impact players stay healthy. While the Steel City lost a franchise icon in, Andrew McCutchen, the page has turned to a new era in Buccos history and now is the time to start writing a new chapter. The front office will still be committed to the same vision it had before which is building a strong farm system and developing from within as much as possible in hopes of eventually getting a ring and giving Pirates fans what they deserve the most, a World Series Championship.