Why the Pittsburgh Pirates Can Win the NL Central in 2023

The Pittsburgh Pirates entered the month of May with the best record and run-differential (+48) in the National League, standing at 20-9. But can the Pirates remain competitive in the NL Central all season long? Jack Vita doesn't see why not.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are turning heads with their remarkable start to the season.

The Buccos entered the month of May with the best record and run-differential (+48) in the National League, standing at 20-9. The next-best team in the NL is the Atlanta Braves, 19-9. Seeing Pittsburgh and Atlanta atop the NL is reminiscent of when the two clubs met in the National League Championship Series in 1991 and 1992. Since falling to the Braves in seven games in 1992, the Pirates have not won a single division title.

Furthermore, the Pirates have yet to plant their flag atop the National League Central leaderboard. In 1992, there were still only two divisions in the National League. Expansion caused Major League Baseball to realign its divisions, moving the Pirates to the NL Central. In 30 seasons in the NL Central, Pittsburgh has finished second four times, but hasn't claimed a division title. Not once.

Picked by most to finish at or near the bottom of the division in 2023, the Pirates have been one of baseball's sweetest surprises and best stories. But are the Pirates legit?

Many have been quick to note that the Pirates' early success has come in a small sample size, and believe that the club is due for regression. But I'm not so sure about that.

Yes, the Milwaukee Brewers are right on their heels, entering the month of May standing at 18-10, 1.5 games back of the division lead. But past Milwaukee, should anybody in the division scare Pittsburgh? The St. Louis Cardinals have looked horrible, posting a 10-19 record through the season's first month. The Cincinnati Reds are in a clear rebuild and the Chicago Cubs are trying to find an identity with a roster-full of veterans on short-term deals.

The Central is a very winnable division, and for that reason, Pittsburgh has the capability to stay in the hunt all season long.

Even with shortstop Oneil Cruz on the Injured List, the Pirates are getting stellar contributions from a nucleus of young players and a steady mix of vets like Carlos Santana, Connor Joe and Andrew McCutchen. The Bryan Reynolds' contract dispute is behind the Pirates, as the club recently locked the outfielder up to an eight-year deal.

The clubhouse mix feels different this season. Drawing a prop sword in the dugout whenever a player hits a home run may seem like a cheesy bit, but it also is indicative of a team that is having fun and enjoys playing together.

Help may be on the way, too. The Pirates have two of Major League Baseball's top 55 prospects in Triple-A in the form of utility man Endy Rodriguez and pitcher Quinn Priester. Each could prove to be a high-impact addition if indeed their numbers are called upon later this summer.

If the Cardinals are unable to recover and repeat as division champions, the NL Central is wide open. For the reason that the division doesn't appear to be very strong, I give the Pirates at least a fighting shot.