North Shore Nine

In a major development, the Pittsburgh Pirates have traded pitcher Luis Ortiz, along with prospects Michael Kennedy and Josh Hartle, to the Cleveland Guardians for first baseman Spencer Horwitz. The North Shore Nine crew quickly reacted from their hotel in Dallas, dubbing this deal a significant move for the team.

Horwitz, a lefty bat with promising offensive numbers, helps fill the Pirates’ glaring need at first base. With under a year of MLB service time, he projects as a key piece for Pittsburgh in 2025 and beyond. While the package sent to Cleveland includes promising arms, the Pirates leveraged their pitching depth to address their offensive holes.

Hosts Anthony DiNardo and Jim Rosati highlighted Horwitz’s potential to stabilize first base while expressing cautious optimism. They also noted the Pirates’ financial flexibility to pursue other offseason needs.