Spencer Horwitz one step closer to Pirates debut with strong start to rehab assignment

Spencer Horwitz was the Pirates' biggest move last offseason, but he has not been able to contribute yet in 2025 due to a wrist injury. Dealing Luis Ortiz after a strong 2024 season was bold, yet it is looking like a great decision - even before Horwitz makes his debut with the team.

Luckily, though, fans will finally be able to see what Horwitz can do outside the realm of the theoretical soon, as he just began his rehab assignment with the Altoona Curve. In his first appearance, Horwitz went 1-for-2 at the plate with a single and a walk. It represented a solid first appearance for the first baseman, but he will need more at-bats before Pittsburgh brings him up, considering he missed all of spring training.

Prior to being sent to Altoona, Horwitz was able to take live at bats off of Dauri Moreta, so this was not his first time seeing live pitching this year. With how first base looks right now, the Pirates need Horwitz badly. Enmanuel Valdez is hitting, but he is way too small to be at first base long-term. Jared Triolo can handle it defensively, but he has not been hitting. Horwitz can do both and, when he's back, a major hole at first base will be filled.

Spencer Horwitz is one step closer to debuting with the Pirates after his strong rehab outing with Altoona.

Horwitz is expected to boost this offense following his strong rookie season in 2024. That season, Horwitz put together a 127 wRC+ with an OPS of .790 and an 18.4% strikeout rate. He also belted 12 home runs and 19 doubles to generate a strong slugging percentage of .433. His bat was very impressive, and that was just in 97 games. A full season of Horwitz could be very dangerous, but Pittsburgh won't get a full season out of him just yet.

The defense that he can bring to first base is solid, too; he accounted for an OAA of 2.0 there in 2024. He can also play second base, so that is always an option in Derek Shelton's back pocket if he needs it. That likely won't happen with the emergence of Valdez, the underrated impact of Adam Fraizer, and Nick Gonzales returning at some point.

Horwitz's debut is a highly anticipated date for the Pirates organization, and the team needs his bat in the lineup. This first rehab appearance is a great step in the right direction. He will soon be an everyday player in Pittsburgh and we cannot wait.