Pirates On The Brink: 9 Players Who Could Make Or Break The Offseason

Much of the Pirates' offseason will be predicated on their decision-making in free agency, but there's plenty of other players currently in Pittsburgh whose futures with the club are a bit murky. With nine arbitration-eligible players on the roster, the Pirates have some tough decisions to make as they navigate the always-complicated world of arbitration.

Arbitration is a process that can be just as important as any free agent signing or trade, as it allows teams to determine the value of their own players and make key roster decisions. For the Pirates, the upcoming arbitration season will be a telling one, as they try to build on a season that saw them show flashes of brilliance but ultimately fall short of the postseason.

At the center of the Pirates' arbitration decisions will be nine players who are eligible for raises. These players range from key contributors to role players, but each one will play a significant role in shaping the Pirates' offseason. Here's a look at the nine arbitration-eligible players on the Pirates' roster:

The first group of players includes those who have been key contributors to the Pirates this season. These players have established themselves as important pieces of the team and will likely be due significant raises. They include:

• Mitch Keller, the talented young pitcher who has developed into one of the aces of the Pirates' rotation.
• Ke'Bryan Hayes, the slick-fielding third baseman who has been a bright spot on the Pirates' roster.
• Bryan Reynolds, the outfielder who has established himself as one of the most feared hitters in the National League.

The second group of players includes those who have been role players for the Pirates this season. While they may not have the same level of impact as the first group, they have still provided value to the team and will be due raises. They include:

• José Quintana, the veteran pitcher who has been a stabilizing force in the Pirates' rotation.
• Adam Frazier, the versatile infielder who has played all over the diamond for the Pirates.
• Ben Gamel, the outfielder who has provided some much-needed pop off the bench.
• Tyler Heineman, the catcher who has been a solid backup to primary catcher

The final group of players includes those who have been on the fringes of the Pirates' roster this season. While they may have shown flashes of brilliance, they have not been as consistent as the first two groups and their futures with the team are not as secure. They include:

• Michael Chavis, the first baseman who has struggled to find his footing in the majors.
• Oneil Cruz, the talented but raw shortstop who has shown flashes of brilliance.
• Jason Delay, the catcher who has been a solid backup to primary catcher

Now that the regular season is over, the Pirates will begin to evaluate their arbitration-eligible players and determine who to keep, who to non-tender, and who to trade. With so many players on the roster, the Pirates will have to make some tough decisions, but with the right moves, they can build a strong foundation for the future.