| Pos | Player | Analysis |
| C | Rod Barajas | Was signed to be the starting catcher. Will probably start 100-120 games. |
| 1B | Garrett Jones | He is expected to split time with Casey McGehee. |
| 2B | Neil Walker | Hit for a .273/.334/.408 line in 2011 with improved defense at 2B. |
| 3B | Pedro Alvarez | Needs a huge rebound from his 2011 season or he’ll lose job to McGehee. |
| SS | Clint Barmes | One of the best defensive shortstops in the game. Needs repeat of 2011. |
| LF | Alex Presley | Hit .298/.339/.465 in 2011. Was it legit? |
| CF | Andrew McCutchen | The only impact player on the team. |
| RF | Jose Tabata | Signed an extension in 2011. Needs 2010 numbers. |
| Space | ||
| Bench | Nate McLouth | A return to PNC Park could be good for the left hander. |
| Bench | Michael McKenry | Deserves the backup job for his strong defense behind the plate in 2011. |
| Bench | Casey McGehee | Will go up against LHP in a platoon with Jones at 1B. |
| Bench | Nick Evans | Non-roster invitee who can play first base and corner outfield. |
| Bench | Yamaico Navarro | Could make the team as a backup infielder with Nunez on the DL |
| Space | ||
| SP | Erik Bedard | He’s great when healthy, but any start over number 15 is a bonus. |
| SP | A.J. Burnett | Will provide innings for the staff, but can be bounce back from his 2010/2011 seasons with New York? |
| SP | Charlie Morton | Could miss the first few weeks of the season. Pirates won’t need him until 4/24. |
| SP | James McDonald | Had a strong year in 2011 outside of a slow start in April due to injury. |
| SP | Jeff Karstens | Probably won’t repeat his 2011 numbers, but he’s still valuable. |
| Space | ||
| RP | Jason Grilli | Had one of the best strikeout ratios on the team in 2011. |
| RP | Tony Watson | The best left hander out of the bullpen. Right now the only left handed option. |
| RP | Chris Leroux | Had a great 2011 season. Worked on off-speed pitches during the off-season. |
| RP | Kevin Correia | Could start to begin the year if Morton is out. Will likely pitch out of bullpen and spot start. |
| RP | Chris Resop | Could get time as a late inning reliever. Had the best K/9 ratio on the team. |
| RP | Evan Meek | Which was the fluke? His 2010 breakout year, or his 2011 down year? |
| CL | Joel Hanrahan | Looked like one of the best closers in the game in 2011. |
| Space | ||
| DL | Gustavo Nunez | On 60-Day DL (2/20/12) |
NOTES:
- The projected roster only includes players who are currently on the 40-man roster, or non-roster invitees to Spring Training.
- Roster preference is given to players who are out of options, or making above the league minimum.
