NL Central

Francisco Liriano declined the Pittsburgh Pirates' initial qualifying offer but was able to negotiate and secure a long-term deal to remain with the club on Tuesday.

The Chicago Cubs aren't messing around. If that wasn't clear already, the first day of Major League Baseball's winter meetings in San Diego brought it into sharp, undeniable focus. 

History suggests the St. Louis Cardinals rarely go all-in during the offseason.

While the Chicago Cubs are still trying to make key signings on the free-agent market, when the front office makes its way to the MLB winter meetings Monday, it will also be looking to make some trades. The Cubs have already been linked to several deals this offseason and could be interested in several more.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have gotten key contributions from a variety of young players over the last two seasons, making it to the playoffs both years.  

While these players have had solid seasons, they have not nearly reached their potential.  In 2015, however, that could be a different story. 

Let's take a look at three players who could have breakout seasons next year for the Pirates.  

The Pittsburgh Pirates currently are in a situation that a lot of teams would like to be in: They have a surplus of reliable and productive outfielders.  

The most well-known outfielder on Pittsburgh's depth chart is obviously 2013 National League Most Valuable Player Andrew McCutchen, who has become the face of the franchise in his six-year career.  

The Pittsburgh Pirates currently are not a complete team.  

The team lacks starting pitching, as two of its top starters from last year (Francisco Liriano and Edinson Volquez) are both currently on the free-agent market seeking deals.

General manager Neal Huntington and the Pittsburgh Pirates have been busy this offseason, making small moves for players they hope will play to their maximum potential in 2015.  

There was a time when Gaby Sanchez was considered an offensive threat at the plate for opposing pitchers. 

That time was five seasons ago, as the young first baseman was coming off his second straight 19-home run season.  Between 2010-2011 as a member of the then-known-as Florida Marlins, Sanchez drove in 163 runs in 310 games.  

Coming into the offseason, it seemed like the Cubs were building momentum. They were seemingly connected to every major free agent, and fans were starting to get hyped about what potential stars they could sign. However, the team hasn't made any significant moves yet as the MLB's winter meetings get ready to begin.