The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking ahead to next season as the gap between them and the playoffs has grown.
The Pirates currently sit in last place in the National League Central division with just over 20 games remaining in the season. Pittsburgh has already made moves for next season, moving Oneil Cruz to center field to gain experience in the outfield. In the offseason, the Pirates need to add to the lineup after ranking in the bottom third in the league in most batting categories.
Free agency is approaching and the Pirates could use a veteran presence in the middle of the lineup and because of this, Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter predicted that the club will sign two-time All-Star Justin Turner.
“Re-signing Andrew McCutchen to another one-year deal and adding veteran run-producer Justin Turner to fill a void at first base will ensure there is a veteran presence in a young Pittsburgh locker room, and both of those guys have shown they still have plenty left in the tank,” Reuter said. “With Oneil Cruz shifting to center field, the biggest battle next spring could be for the starting second base job. Nick Gonzales is the in-house favorite, though former top prospect Liover Peguero will be out of options and Jared Triolo could also get a look.”
Turner is nearing 40 years old but has proven he is still a productive hitter who can boost a starting lineup and provide clubhouse leadership. This season, he has batted .249 with nine home runs and 45 RBIs.
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Adding that level of offensive production and versatility to a lineup that already includes Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz, and Bryan De La Cruz will give the Pirates a better chance to compete for the playoffs next season.
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