The Pittsburgh Pirates are shaking up their approach to the designated hitter, and it might not be the one-man show we've grown accustomed to! While they've always aimed for power, the team's stance is that the DH spot doesn't have to be exclusively filled by a single player. This comes at an interesting time, especially with franchise icon Andrew McCutchen, who has occupied the DH role for the past three seasons, currently an unsigned free agent just a week before spring training kicks off.
Now, let's talk numbers: McCutchen, despite being a top-three hitter for the Pirates in doubles (22), home runs (13), and RBIs (57) last season, ended up at the very bottom among qualified designated hitters in slugging percentage (.367) and OPS (.700). The Pirates haven't completely closed the door on McCutchen's return, but if it happens, it likely won't involve him playing the DH role as extensively as before. This leaves a void, and the Pirates have been actively looking to fill it. They reportedly made a significant four-year, $125 million offer to Kyle Schwarber, who was considered the top available DH, but he ultimately decided to re-sign with the Philadelphia Phillies. Another name on their radar is Marcell Ozuna, who is coming off a season where he hit 39 home runs and drove in 104 RBIs.
But here's where it gets interesting: the Pirates are also exploring a more dynamic approach to the DH position. Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington hinted at this in late December, stating, "Certainly a path we could take, to have guys rotate through that spot." He emphasized the team's focus on building the best possible roster for 2026 while being mindful of long-term implications. Cherington added that if the DH spot becomes a rotation among position players, manager Donnie Kelly is comfortable with that plan. If a player emerges who can handle the role more consistently and hits well, that would also be a successful outcome.
And this is the part most people miss: Marcell Ozuna could represent a substantial upgrade. While his career totals of 296 home runs and 948 RBIs over 13 seasons are still shy of McCutchen's career numbers, Ozuna has a strong track record as a DH. He's posted a .271/.356/.504 slash line with 125 homers and 344 RBIs in 554 games at the position, nearly as much as he's played in left field. He also demonstrates excellent plate discipline, with a 15.9% walk rate (98th percentile) and a 22.3% chase rate (85th percentile), according to Statcast. As a right-handed hitter, he's had nine seasons with 20 or more home runs, including 21 last year with the Atlanta Braves.
For internal options, the Pirates have some promising candidates. A platoon between first basemen Ryan O’Hearn and Spencer Horwitz is a strong possibility, allowing both left-handed hitters to be in the lineup. O'Hearn, who signed a two-year, $29 million deal, was even the starting DH for the American League in last summer's All-Star Game. In 185 career DH games, he's hit .247/.331/.416 with 21 doubles, 25 homers, and 74 RBIs. Horwitz has a smaller sample size at DH, with a .282/.378/.435 slash line in 98 plate appearances over 25 games.
What makes these options even more valuable is their positional versatility. O'Hearn can play right field, which could give Bryan Reynolds a much-needed day off. Horwitz can cover second base, potentially allowing newly acquired second baseman Brandon Lowe to DH. Speaking of Brandon Lowe, he could also be a DH consideration. In 76 career games at the position, he's hit .263/.341/.568 with 15 doubles, 20 homers, and 45 RBIs. However, the Pirates anticipate Lowe being their everyday second baseman.
Bryan Reynolds, a switch-hitter, might be the most intriguing candidate of all. In just 35 games as DH last season, his .259/.329/.489 slash line was actually better than his overall batting average and OPS. He contributed 11 of his 38 doubles, six of his 16 homers, and 22 of his 73 RBIs from the DH spot. Brandon Lowe himself commented on Reynolds, calling him "Mr. Consistency" and likening him to Yandy Diaz in terms of reliability. He expects a consistently strong performance from Reynolds every time he steps up to the plate.
Oneil Cruz is a less likely regular option at DH, as his .200 batting average and .586 OPS in 18 games at the position don't showcase his full potential, and it takes his exceptional arm and speed out of center field. Nick Gonzales could also be a possibility, especially against left-handed pitching, but he has no major league experience at DH yet.
Ryan O'Hearn expressed excitement about the potential lineup, noting the abundance of talented hitters and the benefit of protection. He's particularly eager to play alongside Oneil Cruz, whom he compares to superstars like Fernando Tatis and Ronald Acuna due to his game-changing ability. O'Hearn also praised Reynolds' power and switch-hitting prowess, seeing great pieces on the team that he believes he can complement well.
But here's a point that might spark some debate: Is a rotating DH strategy truly the best way to maximize offensive output, or does it hinder a player from finding a consistent rhythm? What are your thoughts on the Pirates' flexible approach to the designated hitter? Let us know in the comments below!
