In a setback for the Pittsburgh Pirates, newly acquired first baseman Spencer Horwitz will be sidelined for the majority of spring training following surgery on his right wrist. The 27-year-old player, who joined the Pirates in December, is expected to miss at least 6-8 weeks. Despite this, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington refrained from committing to a specific return timeline.
Horwitz's acquisition was part of a strategic trade with Cleveland, which followed his previous transfer from Toronto. During his tenure with the Blue Jays, he managed a respectable .265 batting average with 12 home runs and 40 RBIs across 97 games in the last season. Horwitz’s promising track record caught the attention of the Guardians, who briefly held him before negotiating a trade with the Pirates involving pitcher Luis Ortiz.
The persistent wrist issue plaguing Horwitz was flagged as chronic upon arrival at Pittsburgh. However, as January drew to a close, Horwitz began exhibiting exacerbated symptoms, prompting the decision for surgical intervention. The Pirates remain optimistic, recognizing Horwitz’s potential impact once he recovers fully.
Meanwhile, in Horwitz's absence, the Pirates are exploring several internal options to fill the gap at first base. Key among these candidates are Jared Triolo, a versatile infielder, and Darick Hall. Hall, having previously split his time between first base and designated hitter duties with the Philadelphia Phillies between 2022 and 2023, stands out with his 16 home-run record in Triple-A last season.
Amid these changes, outfielder Bryan Reynolds, who briefly practiced at first base near the end of the 2024 season, is likely to stay in the outfield. The Pirates are determined to maintain Reynolds in his preferred role, ensuring team stability and leveraging his defensive skills.
Another player staying in his usual position is Endy Rodriguez. Though Rodriguez is returning from elbow surgery in the fall of 2023, plans are in place to continue using him as a catcher rather than shifting his fielding responsibilities.
This period serves as a critical test of the Pirates' roster flexibility, and the team is poised to adapt as necessary to maintain competitiveness. Fans are advised to stay updated with the Pirates' official communications to follow Horwitz’s recovery journey and reflect on the team’s evolving dynamics as the season progresses.
