Spencer Horwitz was a great addition for the Pittsburgh Pirates last offseason, but even the infielder admitted that it took some time for him to feel comfortable playing with his new team, in a new ballpark, and in a new city.
At PiratesFest over the weekend, Horwitz reflected on his first season with the Bucs and previewed what he’s looking forward to during the 2026 season, both for himself and for the team as a whole.
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“I didn’t know what to expect, and it was a lot of firsts for me, a lot of new, a lot of change,” explained Horwitz. “Now being more comfortable, and I feel like the group of guys we have now is super competitive, and I know everyone’s super excited, and wants winning baseball in Pittsburgh… I learned a lot last year about myself, about my teammates, and I think hopefully I can get off to a better start this year.”
One of Horwitz’s biggest problems last season was his ability to stay healthy. He didn’t make his season debut until the middle of May because of wrist surgery, and played in 108 games the rest of the way.
Now, looking ahead to next season, Horwitz believes his body is in much better shape to stay on the field more.
“It feels great to be healthy. This is the healthiest I’ve felt in a long time, knock on wood. I think the off-season’s gone great with strength levels and what I wanted to focus on in baseball: hitting and defensively.”
Apr 17, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz (2) warms up before the game against the Washington Nationals at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Horwitz noted that, on top of being healthy, took some time and worked on getting even stronger for the 2026 season.
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“I think overall strength. I did some bat speed training early. On the offensive side, and then on the defensive side, I think just that first step quickness. Just trying to get a little more range, and then if that second base does come into play, then I’ll be ready for that, too.”
Horwitz overall had a solid first year in Pittsburgh. Now, with him healthy and focusing on some meaningful offseason training, he could play a key piece to an ascending Pirates team.
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