HORWITZ HEADS TO PITTSBURGH
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired infielder Spencer Horwitz from the Cleveland Guardians for pitchers Luis L. Ortiz, Michael Kennedy and Josh Hartle.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
In Horwitz, the Pirates add an impact bat to their lineup. The 27-year-old played his first full MLB season in 2024, batting .265 with a solid .357 OBP and .433 SLG. He is more of a designated hitter or first baseman than second baseman, though he saw time at all three positions in Toronto. The Pirates, who struggled to score runs last season, will rely on him to generate offense in the top half of the order. Horwitz is looking like a late bloomer, so the Blue Jays may regret letting him go.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
Cleveland acquired Horwitz in a separate trade with Toronto, and sent him to Pittsburgh right after. The return will help restock their pitching depth. Ortiz should compete for a spot in the starting rotation this year, after he posted a solid 3.32 ERA in 135.2 innings last season. Kennedy and Hartle are younger left-handers still early in their development. They will bolster the organization's pitching and could be prospects to watch for in coming seasons.
Fantasy impact
Horwitz gets a small boost from this trade. Even if he is hitting in a weaker lineup, he should occupy a premium spot in the batting order every day. He could be due for a breakout season in 2025. As for the trio of Guardians pitchers, Ortiz has value in deeper leagues, but only if he can find success again as a starter. Kennedy and Hartle are not on the fantasy radar just yet.
