Preview/Prediction

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.  

Put a whole bunch of Major League Baseball executives and player agents in one place for a few days, and there's bound to be action.

Yup, it's time to start looking forward to the winter meetings. The offseason has already produced its share of impact trades and free-agent signings, and there ought to be a few more in San Diego next week.

Naturally, that's our cue to see if we can predict some of them.

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.

The MLB trade market figures to heat up when the annual winter meetings begin on Sunday in San Diego.

For the Washington Nationals and the rest of Major League Baseball, winter is coming. 

The calendar has turned to December, bringing about unbearably cold climates and a flaming MLB hot stove.

Generally, the annual winter meetings are when the MLB offseason really takes off, but this year, we have seen more action than ever in November, as a number of top free agents have already found new homes and a pair of blockbuster deals have been made.

That being said, expect the meetings to be as busy as ever when they kick off in San Diego on Sunday, Dec. 7.

The pitching market in particular could be busy as teams still wait for Jon Lester to sign a new deal and set the bar for the rest of this year's crop of free agent arms.

The Major League Baseball winter meetings are set to kick off in a week, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are likely to be active players in Southern California.

New president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Farhan Zaidi have already made several minor moves since taking over the front office in October, but there are still question marks facing the team in the midst of a culture shift.

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.

Fresh off their third World Series title in five years, the business of baseball moves on for the San Francisco Giants.

Pablo Sandoval has signed with the Boston Red Sox, leaving a gaping hole at third base and in the middle of the Giants' batting order. In addition to third base, general manager Brian Sabean is also in the market for a left fielder, starting pitcher and right-handed reliever.