5 biggest questions for Bucs this offseason

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The Pirates enter this offseason at a peculiar point in their rebuild.

By season’s end, Pittsburgh found itself with a solid foundation of players. Bryan Reynolds and David Bednar were the All-Stars. Ke’Bryan Hayes may very well win a Gold Glove. Mitch Keller had his breakout season. Oneil Cruz and Roansy Contreras headlined the youth movement. The list goes on.

At the same time, there are a handful of top prospects who are still making their way through the farm system, some of whom could be with the team as early as next season. This is to say that while the vision is coming into place, it is not yet fully realized.

So how do the Pirates approach this offseason, given where they stand in the present? Here are some questions the club will have to answer:

1. How do the Pirates address their need at first base?

Pittsburgh received subpar offensive production in 2022 from its first basemen, who posted a .601 OPS with 17 home runs. By season’s end, the team didn’t have a primary first baseman on the active roster. The Pirates may have to look externally for someone to fill that void for the beginning of the season. Malcom Nunez, the club's best first-base prospect, has only played five games above Double-A.

The Bucs could address that need in free agency, as Jesús Aguilar and Carlos Santana will hit the open market.

2. Will the Pirates re-sign Roberto Pérez?

Pérez expressed a desire to return to the Pirates after his first season with the team was cut short due to injury. Pitchers lauded his ability to lead the staff in the short time he was on the field, and his teammates praised his veteran leadership. Pérez, who had a .700 OPS and three defensive runs saved in 21 games with Pittsburgh, could serve as a bridge to the future as Henry Davis and Endy Rodriguez make their way through the Minors.

3. Could Reynolds shift back to left field?

Reynolds was exclusively a center fielder for nearly all of 2022, but in his final game of the season, he shifted over to left field for the first time. It was just one game, but it’s worth wondering whether Reynolds could get more playing time in left, or even if he might shift over there entirely. Reynolds rated poorly as a defender, finishing the season with minus-14 defensive runs saved and minus-7 outs above average. If he moves to left, Jack Suwinski, who impressed defensively at all three spots, could slide over to center field.

4. Will the Pirates sign any of their young players to long-term extensions?

It is quickly becoming a trend for teams to sign their young players to long-term deals well before arbitration or free agency. No team has exemplified that more than Atlanta, which has signed just about its entire core to long-term deals. Cruz and Contreras appear well worth the long-term investment following great rookie seasons. In his end-of-season media availability, general manager Ben Cherington said, “We certainly want the door to be open and we hope that we find those opportunities over time.”

5. How many veterans will the Pirates add? And will they stay for the whole season?

The signings of veterans José Quintana and Daniel Vogelbach last offseason were boons for the Pirates. Not only were they valuable on the field, but both were widely regarded as positive clubhouse influences. At the Trade Deadline, both were traded to contenders.

While Pittsburgh received young talent -- Colin Holderman from the Mets, Johan Oviedo and prospect Malcom Nunez from the Cardinals -- the trades of Quintana, Vogelbach and Chris Stratton left a void in terms of veteran leadership. It’s likely that the Pirates will bring several veterans on board. The bigger question is whether they will see their way to the end of the season.