HURDLE SEES 2019 BUCS TO HAVE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL

General manager Neal Huntington summarized the Pirates' offseason acquisitions so far with one word: "ceiling."

Jung Ho Kang could swing a 30-homer bat, if he returns to form. Lonnie Chisenhall played at a high level when he was healthy the last two years, but the trick was staying on the field. They believe Erik Gonzalez could be a quality everyday shortstop, if given the opportunity. All of the pitching prospects they've added are projectable, high-upside teenagers.

Manager Clint Hurdle believes there's untapped potential everywhere on the Pirates' roster, which is why he thinks Pittsburgh can contend in the loaded National League Central next season.

Nobody is going to pick the Pirates to finish first in the NL Central after an 82-79 fourth-place finish in 2018. The defending division-champion Brewers are bringing back their core. The Cubs remain one of the most talented teams in the Majors. The Cardinals added Paul Goldschmidt to their lineup. The Reds are starting to turn a corner in their rebuild, which they proved by acquiring starter Tanner Roark on Wednesday.

What's the case for the Pirates? Hurdle pointed to their talented rotation, although they currently don't have a certain fifth starter after trading Ivan Nova on Tuesday, and the four dominant relievers at the back end of their bullpen. He also believes the Pirates will take a step forward if their lineup puts together a more consistent season under new hitting coaches Rick Eckstein and Jacob Cruz.

Hurdle addressed a number of other topics during his annual session with reporters at the Winter Meetings.

ON USING AN OPENER

Huntington brought up the possibility Tuesday, and Hurdle said Wednesday that they discussed it at times last season. The Pirates might eventually settle on a traditional fifth starter, but Hurdle said they at least discussed relievers who could play the part.

ON GOLDSCHMIDT JOINING THE FRAY

The Cardinals brought one of the game's most feared hitters into the division, so the Pirates will see a lot more of the former D-backs star, who hit .270/.387/.479 in 199 career plate appearances against Pittsburgh.

ON A POTENTIAL CERVELLI TRADE

The Pirates will at least listen to offers for catcher Francisco Cervelli, one of their most valuable players last season. There is no indication that Pittsburgh is actively looking to move Cervelli, but Hurdle believes that the Bucs could compete even if they move Cervelli and make Elias Diaz their starting catcher.