The Pittsburgh Pirates went 69-93 in 2019, finishing in the basement of the National League’s Central Division. Today, we focus on Pittsburgh’s 2020 regular-season win total and World Series odds. Do the Pirates have what it takes? Let’s analyze:
Pittsburgh Pirates 2019 wins
It’s easy to forget Pittsburgh was just one game under .500 (44-45) when the All-Star break hit last season. Through the end of May, the Pirates had a 4.88 team ERA, a .709 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage), and a 28-28 record. The pitching went sideways, and Pittsburgh went 4-12 from June 1-18. The Pirates would rally, going 12-5 over their last 17 games before the break, but the Bucs came out of the break losing four straight and 15 of 17 games, and that spelled the beginning of the end. The Pirates would finish 23 games under .500 (25-48) while registering a 5.51 ERA in the second half.
Pittsburgh Pirates offseason
The off-season has involved management change with Neal Huntington out and Ben Cherington in as general manager; Clint Hurdle is out, Derek Shelton is in as manager. OF Starling Marte was dealt to the Arizona Diamondbacks for prospects. It all spells a renewed commitment to rebuilding in Steel City.
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Pittsburgh Pirates odds to win the NL Central
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Lines last updated at Monday, Feb. 17 at 4:20 p.m. ET.
The Pirates are +6500 to win the NL Central. The division odds boil down four teams from +200 to +400 … break … break …and then the Pirates. The play on Pittdsburgh winning the division isn’t advisable as there are too many real contenders to leapfrog and Pittsburgh doesn’t figure to be in spending mode to be competitive. The Pirates are expected to enter the season with a $69 million payroll. Only the Baltimore Orioles, at $65 million, are in line to have a lower figure.
Pittsburgh Pirates World Series odds
The Pirates’ +25000 odds put them in a group with the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants at around the 25th or 26th choice among all 30 teams.
How many games will the Pirates win in 2020?
The Pirates head into the season with a projected win total of 69.5. Take the Under (-110). A new regime is set to take an approach through the draft and international free agency (the 16-year-old end, not the established Pacific Rim pitching end). A bit of a moderate-level arms race could pick up in the Central, further marginalizing the Pirates from the “core four” of the division.
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