Pirates by Position: Around the horn as the Bucs get ready for spring training

The Pittsburgh Pirates head to Bradenton, Florida, this week as pitchers and catchers report on Wednesday. The whole team reports on Monday.

Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the players the Pirates have and what we can expect.

Starting pitchers

Mitch Keller expected to anchor starting rotation that added 2 veterans

The Pirates have been touting Mitch Keller as having top-of-the-rotation stuff since he was their top pitching prospect, but the right-hander struggled to show it in his first three major-league seasons.

Bullpen

David Bednar expected to lead bullpen bolstered by offseason additions

When it comes to the Pirates’ bullpen, Derek Shelton won’t divulge defined roles. The Pirates manager has refused to call David Bednar the team’s closer, despite leading their relievers in saves (19) and strikeouts (69) and being selected as an All-Star last season.

Catcher

Counting on Austin Hedges at catcher until prospects are promoted

For the Pirates, the conundrum at catcher last season couldn’t be captured by one name, as they used eight players at the position. With top-100 prospects Endy Rodriguez and Henry Davis not quite ready for the majors, the team signed veteran Austin Hedges to a one-year, $5 million contract.

1st base

1B, DH addressed with additions of Ji-Man Choi, Carlos Santana

Ben Cherington entered the offseason with the objective of improving the Pirates at first base and designated hitter, and the general manager addressed both positions before the Winter Meetings.

2nd base / Shortstop

Oneil Cruz, Rodolfo Castro can make a case as starting middle infielders

Over the final five weeks of the season, the Pirates played Oneil Cruz and Rodolfo Castro together for 14 games and gave a glimpse of what could become their double-play pairing of the future.

3rd base

Ke’Bryan Hayes dazzles at 3B but has yet to show power for the position

If the dazzling plays made by Ke’Bryan Hayes didn’t prove that he was baseball’s best glove at third base, the measures of metrics made it clear that he was the best defender in the game.

Outfield

Adding Andrew McCutchen creates competition in crowded outfield

Andrew McCutchen’s return on a one-year, $5 million contract complicates a crowded position. The Pirates have 10 outfielders on the 40-man roster who will be competing for four spots.

Related

Kevin Gorman’s Take 5: Most pressing questions for Pirates entering spring training

Coming off back-to-back 100-loss seasons for the first time since the 1950s, the Pirates underwent a roster overhaul and spent $30 million on veterans in free agency.