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Pirates' early Spencer Horwitz plan makes offseason feel even more infuriating

ByBaron Dionis|
May 18, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Spencer Horwitz (2) reacts after hitting a single against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
May 18, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Spencer Horwitz (2) reacts after hitting a single against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Spencer Horwitz is finally back for the Pirates, but he is not being used as the everyday first baseman we thought we were getting. After trading three pitchers for Horwitz, he felt like the guy that was going to be in the lineup daily and be a big force to the lineup. After just three days, it appears that is not the case, and that makes this offseason looks far worse.

As the biggest addition this offseason, all eyes were on Horwitz, and some fans believed that he was just a platoon player after what he proved in Toronto last season. Apparently, the Pirates feel that way, too, given how they've managed him since returning from rehab.

First of all, he was in the clubhouse for Game 1 against the Phillies, but they did not activate him, as they were facing Ranger Suarez, a left-handed pitcher. Then he got activated the next day and played back-to-back days against right-handed arms, but was pinch hit for when a southpaw came in.

Then, in Game 1 against the Reds, the Pirates started 30-year-old journeyman Nick Solak over him as Nick Lodolo was Cincinnati's starting pitcher. It appears that they are going full platoon with him and, for the price that they paid (Luis Ortiz, Michael Kennedy, and Josh Hartle), the offseason swap is starting to feel a little expensive for a platoon piece.

Pirates' early management of Spencer Horwitz makes this offseason even more frustrating.

Horwitz is just 3-for-10 to begin his Pirates career, and came to the bigs after finishing his rehab assignment on a high note. He was an excellent hitter for the Blue Jays last year and the Pirates need any sort of productive hitter that they can find.

His numbers were significantly better against right-handed pitching in 2024. For a guy that won't be a free agent until after the 2030 season and was acquired to be the everyday guy at first base, it's extremely confusing that he's not playing in all opportunities for the team with the worst offense in baseball. Now's the time to let Horwitz confirm, once and for all, whether he's an everyday player. There's very limited risk to giving him those reps. What's he going to do? Make the Pirates' abysmal offense worse?

While Horwitz is not a bust just yet, the way the Pirates have been managing him makes it feel like he is not worth what was given up to obtain him. Maybe our minds will change if we witness him struggle against left-handers, but not even trying doesn't feel right at this point.