Pirates' first base depth chart across all levels: Who backs up Spencer Horwitz?

First base is a big positional focus for the Pirates, as they have struggled to put out a productive option over the years. They finally went out and got a young slugger this offseason who could very well be the best offensive guy in the lineup in Spencer Horwitz, but he got hurt and may not be ready for Opening Day.

Nonetheless, he should be good to go at some point in April, so he still has a chance to make a huge impact for the Pirates in 2025. There are other options in the organization that they may need to rely on for the time being, so let's take a look at how first base is shaping up in the Pirates organization.

The Pirates' 2025 first base group throughout the organization may be deeper than people think.

Pittsburgh: Spencer Horwitz and Billy Cook

When healthy, Spencer Horwitz will be the everyday starter, despite struggling against left-handed pitching last season. His 127 wRC+ with 12 home runs and .790 OPS will be a big boost to the lineup that Pittsburgh cannot afford to lose for very long. Additionally, his first base defense is not bad, either, which will contribute towards preventing runs for this underwhelming offense.

Billy Cook showed some promise with his bat and glove during his short stint at the end of 2024. He slugged three home runs and two doubles, generating a .449 slugging percentage. His fielding run value of +3 comes from his play in the outfield, but he still makes highlight plays at first from time to time.

Jared Triolo might also see time here, but he will primarily get used at third and second base after winning a Gold Glove as a utility guy. Nick Yorke, who has "never played first base in his life," will also reportedly be considered at camp.

Indianapolis: Darick Hall and Matt Gorski

The Pirates added Darick Hall to a minor-league deal, and he has been seen a lot already at spring training in the wake of Horwitz's injury. He brings some power from the left side, and is a wild card option at first base in Pittsburgh. With the Phillies in 2022, Hall belted nine home runs and eight doubles in 42 games. That built a 121 wRC+.

Matt Gorski is primarily an outfielder, but he has been seen taking reps at first base during spring training. His power has always been known, and the Pirates may give him a shot at some point, given his strength. He drilled 23 home runs while posting an OPS of .841 and a wRC+ of 110 last season.

Altoona: Nick Cimillo and Imanol Vargas

Nick Cimillo is coming off an excellent 2024 campaign where he belted 21 home runs with a 141 wRC+ and an OPS of .876. His best portion of the campaign was in Greensboro, before cooling off a bit in Altoona. He is set for a big season, though, as the Curve's first baseman.

Imanol Vargas is a career minor leaguer that the Pirates added to fill in a first base hole in Double-A. He has not gone a season yet with a wRC+ below 100, including a mark of 114 in his lone season in Double-A. He also hit 22 home runs and drove in 90 that season, yet still spent 2024 down in Single-A instead.

Greensboro: Esmerlyn Valdez

One of the more underrated bats in the Pirates' farm system is Esmerlyn Valdez. He demolished pitching in Bradenton a season ago with 22 home runs, a wRC+ of 132, and an OPS of .815. Striking out at a 30.6% rate will be a problem moving forward, but the 21-year-old slugger has a lot of time to figure it out.

Bradenton: Tony Blanco Jr.

The 18th-ranked prospect in the Pirates organization is Tony Blanco Jr. who is on pace to join Bradenton in 2025. After dominating rookie ball in 2024, he is likely set for a promotion. In 30 games last season, Blanco posted a 138 wRC+ with an OPS of .891 and four home runs.