4 Pittsburgh Pirates Prop Bets Worth Backing In 2020 Season

The Pittsburgh Pirates won just 69 games in 2019, and expectations aren’t very high for the abbreviated 2020 season, either.

But the Pirates have found a way to overachieve. It’s not going to be an easy quest, especially in a stacked National League Central, but everyone can find optimism in the offseason, right?

Bookies.com reveals four MLB futures best bets for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2020 MLB season.

Most Home Runs — Josh Bell (+8000)

In 2018, Josh Bell played in 148 games and managed just 12 home runs. He returned for 2019, played in five fewer games — and hit 25 more dingers.

Clearly Bell found something in his swing. The four-year pro was named to his first All-Star Game and improved his RBI total by 54 from 2018. Now he’s a legit cleanup hitter and if the Pirates are going to have any chance at success, it starts with Bell on the offensive end.

One thing going for Bell in his reach for the stars: He’s a quick starter. Last year Bell hit 18 home runs in April and May.

In this half season of 2020, maybe he gets off to another blazing start and others don’t, giving him motivation to win it down the stretch. Especially if he’s playing for a team that isn’t playing for anything else. Find Bell to win the home run title at DraftKings .

Pirates — Under 42.0 win percentage (-110)

The Pirates last year went just 69-93, but that was still a .426 win percentage. Expectations are actually lower. Pittsburgh hasn’t won less than than 42% of its games since 2010.

But it’s a real uphill climb this season. The pitching rotation won’t scare anyone and the offense is centered on Bell and mostly unproven commodities.

To make matters worse, the NL Central is tough. All four other teams — the Cubs, Cardinals, Brewers and Reds — are considered contenders to win the division or fight for a wild card berth. There won’t be an easy night for Pittsburgh. Take the Under at FanDuel.

NL Rookie of the Year — Ke’Bryan Hayes (+2500)

Hayes is a multiple Gold Glove winner in the minor leagues, and he’s expected to begin 2020 at AAA. So that doesn’t help his Rookie of the Year chances.

But if any rookie gets a chance, it will be Hayes, who is regarded as one of MLB’s top third base prospects. The Pirates don’t have much reason to hold their future stars. He hit .280 in spring training and could be a 20-steal guy if given the opportunity.

Hayes should get that opportunity sooner than later. He’s been working on hitting more fly balls, and we know voters love homers. Get Hayes to win NL Rookie of the Year at BetMGM.

NL Rookie of the Year — Mitch Keller (+700)

Keller has dominating stuff, but it didn’t translate at the MLB level last year. He made 11 starts and got shelled for a 7.18 ERA.

But he’s a year older and a year wiser, and he still qualifies for Rookie of the Year honors.

Keller, 24, is lauded as a big-time prospect for Pittsburgh. His fastball approaches 100 mph and his curveball is his strikeout pitch. He’ll be in the rotation all year. Let’s double-dip in the ROY pool and take Keller to win the award at BetMGM.