Pirates Newly Acquired First Baseman Excited For Opportunity

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a splash trading for Cleveland Guardians first baseman Spencer Horwitz.

Horwitz was traded twice on the same day last week, being sent from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Guardians before being sent to the Pirates. The 27-year-old first and second baseman slashed .265/.357/.433 with 12 home runs and 40 RBIs across 97 games last season after climbing the ranks to be listed as the No. 9 first baseman prospect heading into the 2024 season.

After being traded to the Pirates, Horwitz expressed his excitement for the opportunity to join the organization, as transcribed by MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf.

“I was ecstatic,” Horwitz said. “Going to Cleveland, I was a little confused. I know they have some really good first basemen and they had Giménez. I was curious if I was going to play second there or what the plan was. Then when I got traded to Pittsburgh, I was super excited because I know they’ve been looking for some more offense, and obviously I get to work with (hitting coach) Matt Hague again. He’s been my hitting coach since Double-A. I work really well with him and I’m excited to hopefully continue that.”

“Nothing’s going to be given to me. I know that. But it’s nice to feel wanted, and that’s exciting. I think it’s going to be a good opportunity for both of us.”

After cycling through different veterans at first base, the Pirates are optimistic that they could have found their first baseman of the future. Horwitz’s familiarity with the new hitting coach, Matt Hague, is another positive result of the trade. Pittsburgh’s offense needed a boost heading into this offseason, and Horwtz may be just what they needed.

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