Pirates All 40: Spencer Horwitz the Clear Standout Offensively
This is one in a series breaking down players on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 40-man roster.
The most notable move made by the Pirates last offseason was acquiring Spencer Horwitz as part of a three-team trade that sent right-hander Luis Ortiz and two pitching prospects to the Cleveland Guardinas.
Horwitz was coming off a strong rookie season with the Toronto Blue Jays in which he slashed .265/.357/.433 with 19 doubles, 12 home runs and 40 RBI in 97 games.
But the Pirates had to wait to get their first look at Horwitz in a black and gold jersey. A thumb/wrist injury sidelined Horwitz until the middle of May. But once he returned, Horwitz proved to be worth the wait.
Horwitz was by far the standout in an otherwise dismal offense in 2025. Of anyone to register at least one plate appearance for the Pirates last season, Horwitz (118) was the only player to have an OPS+ of 100 or better on the season.
Horwitz totaled 108 games for Pittsburgh after he returned from injury and slashed .272/.353/.434 with 26 doubles, 11 home runs and 51 RBI.
The 28-year-old projects to be the Pirates’ starting first baseman again in 2026 with hopes he will get more support from others in the lineup.
The Pirates have made a concerted effort to improve the lineup this offseason, acquiring second baseman Brandon Lowe and outfielder Jake Mangum from the Tampa Bay Rays and agreeing to a two-year contract with first baseman/outfielder/designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn.
With O’Hearn being a capable first baseman, the Pirates can more freely give Horwitz days off or more chances at designated hitter to keep him fresh.
Even with the additions already made — and perhaps more coming — the Pirates will again be counting on Horwitz to held lead the hitting unit. Only this time, the expectation is that he won’t have to do it all by himself.
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