Cutch, Cole's futures key to Bucs' 2018 plans

PITTSBURGH -- From start to finish, 2017 was full of challenges for the Pirates.
It began well before they reported to Pirate City, when they lost Jung Ho Kang for the season and saw Andrew McCutchen at the center of intense trade speculation. Then came Starling Marte's suspension and a frustrating mixture of injuries, slumps and growing pains that led to a second straight losing season.
But for all that went wrong last season, maybe that much more will go right in this new year. At the very least, the Pirates believe they'll be better off for what they experienced in 2017.
"It's game of emotion. It's better when it's played with emotion than played emotionally. I think lessons can be learned along those lines for everybody," manager Clint Hurdle said. "I do believe that there was a lot of opportunity for us to be tougher mentally, to be tougher physically moving forward based on what we went through together as a club."
Everything the Pirates do, they say, is designed to answer one question: How can they give themselves the best chance to win a championship? But here are the top five questions they face at the start of the new year.
What's the plan?
General manager Neal Huntington left the Winter Meetings in December unsure if the Pirates would buy or sell, focusing on 2018 or '19 and beyond. At some point, Pittsburgh has to pick a plan and put it in motion. The Bucs can keep this core in place and add around the edges of the roster, adding power to their lineup and experience to their pitching staff, particularly as free-agent costs drop closer to the start of Spring Training. Or they could deal veterans, build around their young core and look to bounce back in '19. There are valid reasons to go in either direction, but it's hard to see the benefit in standing pat.

When will Cutch go?
The Pirates picked up McCutchen's option in November, making 2018 his final year under club control. One way or another, this figures to be the end of McCutchen's time in black and gold. He could be traded before the start of Spring Training. He could be dealt at the non-waiver Trade Deadline. Or he could play out the year in Pittsburgh then become a free agent. If he's traded, what can the Pirates reasonably expect in return for their franchise player? What would such a move mean for the rest of their roster? If he returns, can he put together a more consistent season at the plate and continue to hold his own in center field?
What about Gerrit Cole?
Cole, not McCutchen, was the subject of the most intense trade speculation during the first half of the offseason. Could that mean a trade is in the works? Given the youth of their rotation, it would only make sense to move Cole if the Pirates are willing to retool their roster for 2019. There are plenty of teams looking for starters with Cole's upside and two years of club control, so there will be continued interest. But will the Pirates' asking price be met? And if he's not dealt this offseason, will they revisit those trade talks in July? What about next offseason? Regardless of where he plays, will Cole build on his healthy '17 with a more productive '18 season?

Is the rotation ready?
This question is especially relevant if Cole lands elsewhere. Behind Cole and Iván Nova, the Pirates are counting on young starters who mostly established themselves the past two years: Jameson Taillon, Chad Kuhl, Trevor Williams, Tyler Glasnow and Steven Brault. Taillon has shown signs of promise, Kuhl and Williams put together strong second-half performances, and Brault and Glasnow dominated in Triple-A with mixed results in the Majors. The next step is a full, consistent season in the big leagues. They are all important to Pittsburgh's plan in the near future, as are pitching prospects Nick Kingham, Clay Holmes and Mitch Keller.

Can the outfield put it all together?
The Pirates' outfield unit, once thought to be among the best in the game, has never fully delivered upon its considerable promise at the same time. Could this be the year? This question isn't limited to just McCutchen, Marte and Gregory Polanco, either, as top prospect Austin Meadows must prove he can stay on the field and produce in Triple-A after a disappointing 2017. But Marte and Polanco, both under club control for the rest of the decade, must take a step forward after an underwhelming season. If both play up to their potential, Pittsburgh's lineup will dramatically improve without any other additions.