 The Pirates were nonetheless expected to be contenders in a tight National League Central Division.After jumping out to a 12-6 start, the Pirates spent much of the first half of the season around .500, but went into the All-Star break only 2.5 games out of first place.Despite an underwhelming rotation, the team's offense was powered by a breakout season from Josh Bell and impressive play from Bryan Reynolds (baseball), who was acquired by Huntington in the McCutchen trade of 2018.