Pirates Free Agent Targets Could Shake Up 2025 Depth Chart

The Pittsburgh Pirates are making headlines this offseason with rumors swirling about a more aggressive approach to roster building. After years of cautious spending, it looks like the team’s finally ready to open its checkbook for established talent—especially at first base.

Fans are buzzing about the idea of more offensive firepower. Still, there are real questions about the club’s strategy, player fit, and how these moves might shake up the current lineup.

Pirates Reportedly Targeting Big Bats for First Base

Several reports connect the Pirates to Josh Naylor and Ryan O’Hearn. Both have proven they can hit and could help fix one of last season’s weakest offenses.

Naylor brings left-handed power and a knack for clutch moments. O’Hearn offers a good balance of average and power, plus he’s got solid defensive numbers at first base.

Potential Position Shuffle with Spencer Horwitz

The buzz around these possible signings gets complicated because of Spencer Horwitz. He was arguably the Pirates’ most productive bat in 2023 and is a natural first baseman.

If the team brings in someone new, they might move Horwitz to second base. He’s played there before and handled it with league-average defense, but it’s not his primary spot.

Shifting Horwitz could help the lineup’s offense. But it would directly affect Nick Gonzales, a young player who might lose playing time even though he’s shown promise.

This makes you wonder—how do you add talent without messing up team chemistry?

Defensive Implications and Depth Chart Impact

Ryan O’Hearn’s strong glove at first could help right away. Still, moving guys around always comes with some risk.

Horwitz is versatile, but second base needs agility and quick reactions. Those aren’t exactly his natural strengths compared to first base.

Konnor Griffin’s Rise Adds Another Layer

Then there’s Konnor Griffin, who’s emerging as a real option at shortstop. His athleticism and glove could lock down the middle infield for years.

If Griffin takes over at short, Gonzalez might get squeezed out even more. Suddenly, young players could find fewer chances to break into the lineup.

The Shift Toward an Offense-First Lineup

The Pirates aren’t just looking at first basemen. Names like Kyle Schwarber have popped up, hinting at a “bats-first” mindset where run production takes priority over defense.

Schwarber doesn’t offer much defensive flexibility, but his power is legit and could jolt the offense.

This kind of approach could totally change the team’s identity if they land a few free agents. But is it wise to load up on hitters who don’t really have a position?

Stacking the roster with DH-types can create defensive holes. Over a long season, those gaps might cost the team wins.

An Aggressive but Risky Plan for 2024

Fans have wanted the Pirates to spend for years, and maybe this offseason is finally it. But throwing money around without a real plan can backfire fast.

Adding another first baseman without a clear fit could jam up positions and slow down the development of younger players. It’s a tricky balance.

Key Questions Moving Forward

• Will Spencer Horwitz actually settle in at second base, or will there be growing pains?
• Can Nick Gonzales find a steady spot, especially with so much new competition?
• Is this offense-first strategy really going to hold up through a full season?
• Will the Pirates keep their defensive edge while chasing more power?

This offseason, Pittsburgh’s every move will get picked apart—not just by diehard fans, but by everyone watching the division. The NL Central always feels wide open. If the Pirates land the right guys, maybe they’re a real playoff threat. Maybe.

The front office looks ready to open the wallet, which is a big change. Now comes the hard part: turning all this talk into actual results.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Pirates’ rumored free agent targets keep hinting at a depth chart ripple effect