MLB analyst questions the Pirates' outlook following an aggressive offseason

For a team that typically isn't very aggressive during the winter months, that all changed with the Pittsburgh Pirates this past winter. They acquired three bats, trading for Brandon Lowe and signing Ryan O'Hearn and Marcell Ozuna. 

They also signed Jose Urquidy as a starting pitchers and Gregory Soto for a role in the bullpen. Finally, they acquired both Jake Magnum and Mason Montgomery in a three-team trade. 

Unfortunately, fans will be disappointed to learn that Konnor Griffin, the top prospect in baseball, won't be with the team on Opening Day. Instead, he will get some more time in the minors before he makes his MLB debut. 

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MLB analyst questions the Pirates' outlook following an aggressive offseason 

Fans wanting to see young talent will be happy to see that Bubba Chandler has made the Opening Day roster. He has earned a starting role with the club and will be one to watch. 

He and Paul Skenes could be a nasty one-two punch in this league. They can keep the scoring down, but do they have enough to compete in the NL Central?

Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly isn't so sure. 

"Ultimately, the Pirates are getting better, but might be another year or two away. And by that point, Skenes will be getting closer to free agency, at which point Pittsburgh may consider trading him."

That may not be what fans want to hear, but it is something they should prepare for. The NL Central is going to be tough to get through with what the Chicago Cubs did over the winter and how the Milwaukee Brewers look on paper. 

However, this is baseball, and it almost never goes according to script. While some analysts may not be very high on the Pirates, they should put out a better product this season and should surpass their 71-win total.

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