North Shore Nine

The Pirates’ offseason just took a brutal hit as first baseman Spencer Horwitz underwent wrist surgery, putting his availability for Opening Day in serious doubt. The news, broken by Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, has left fans and analysts scrambling for answers as to how Pittsburgh will fill yet another hole in their lineup.

With Horwitz sidelined, the Pirates’ first base options look bleak. Billy Cook, Brian Reynolds, Joey Bart, and even Adam Frazier have been floated as potential replacements, but none seem like viable long-term solutions. Wrist injuries are notorious for sapping power, meaning even if Horwitz returns this season, he may not be the same hitter.

As the team reports for Spring Training, GM Ben Cherington faces mounting pressure to pivot—whether that means a late free-agent signing or a trade remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the Pirates can’t afford to sit idly by.