Pirates add two first base options into mix at spring training with position shifts

The Spencer Horwitz injury is very unfortunate for the Pirates, and they are very lucky that his 6-to-8 week timeline should have him back just in time for the games that count (or close to it). The current trajectory sets up his return to around Opening Day, but nonetheless, the Pirates are still working on increasing their first base depth during spring training workouts and early gameplay.

That includes trying new guys out at the position to increase the amount of first base options. Other guys initially the mix this spring included Billy Cook and Darick Hall, but the Pirates have recently doubled their choices by trying middle infielders Adam Frazier and Nick Yorke at first.

Frazier has seen just 1.1 innings at first base in his professional career, coming last season with the Royals. Yorke has never played the position professionally, but he does have family ties there. His younger brother Zach plays first at Grand Canyon University, and is someone the Pirates should monitor ahead of the draft.

That is actually how Yorke got his glove before embarking on the first base challenge. His younger brother shipped him a glove in the mail, a welcome move since Yorke has not played the position in his life.

Pirates testing Adam Frazier and Nick Yorke at first base is a very strange position change.

Frazier at first base does not make a lot of sense, given his height. Shortening the target at first base makes it harder on the other positions to consistently make accurate throws. Bigger targets are often more successful there.

Yorke is very athletic, which has made him versatile across the middle infield and outfield. He has been getting a lot of high praise entering 2025, so the Pirates feel very eager to put him in the lineup in some way. Maybe trying Yorke at first is justified for his ba alonet, but he could easily be more effective at other positions that also need help.

These are two unique options to try at first base, but we'd better hope it does not stick. Adam Frazier is getting the start today at first base, so it will be interesting to see how he does.

Hopefully, Horwitz has no setbacks in his rehab, and the Pirates aren't stuck with one of these guys starting long-term at first.