The Pittsburgh Pirates lead the NL Central division with a 16-7 record as of Tuesday afternoon.
They have the best record in the National League and second-best in the majors.
They just extended their best player, Bryan Reynolds, on a team-friendly deal worth a little over $100 million for eight years.
And, in case you forgot, they have the first pick in this year’s draft.
So, yes: hope is finally a thing in Pittsburgh.
After failing to finish with a positive record since 2018 and make the playoffs since 2015, the Pirates have a shot at both in 2023.
Pirates analyst Kody Duncan highlighted the potential future outfield.
“A Bryan Reynolds, Dylan Crews, and Jack Suwinski trio might be the most dangerous outfield the Pirates have had in 20+ years,” he tweeted.
A Bryan Reynolds, Dylan Crews, and Jack Suwinski trio might be the most dangerous outfield the Pirates have had in 20+ years
— Kody Duncan (@KodyDuncanPGH) April 25, 2023
Reynolds, is sporting a .872 OPS in 2023 and his career mark is a rock-solid .844.
He has 56 home runs since the start of the 2021 season and is capable of playing the three outfield spots.
He is one of the most underrated stars baseball has.
Suwinski lacks the same kind of star power, but is having an amazing campaign with a 1.022 OPS and five round-trippers.
He is just 24 years old and while he doesn’t quite have Reynolds’ ceiling, he has proven he can be a solid contributor.
Crews is currently not a member of the Pirates.
However, he is the expected number one pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, and that selection belongs to the Pirates.
He is a powerful outfielder with an incredible feel for contact and incredible on-base skills.
If he hits his ceiling, he could be better than Reynolds.
To sum up, the Pirates’ outfield corps could be special three or four years from now.
NEXT: Pirates Prospect Finally Called Up After 13 Minor League Seasons
