How the Pirates Can Turn a Lineup Logjam Into an Offensive Breakthrough
The Pittsburgh Pirates came into this offseason with one job: fix an offense that, at times last year, looked historically inept. And to their credit, they attacked the problem head-on-by stacking the roster with competent, above-average hitters. But now they’ve got a new challenge on their hands: how do you fit all those bats into a lineup without turning the defense into a liability?
It’s a good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless.
Let’s start with the basics. Pittsburgh brought in Ryan O’Hearn, a solid left-handed bat who plays first base.
That overlapped with Spencer Horwitz, one of the few offensive bright spots from last season, who also plays-yep-first base. The initial plan seemed simple enough: rotate the two between first base and designated hitter.
Keep both bats in the lineup. No harm, no foul.
Then came the curveball: the Pirates signed Marcell Ozuna.
Ozuna, now 35, is a pure DH at this stage of his career. He’s not going to help you in the field, but if he can even sniff his 2024 numbers-39 homers, .925 OPS-he instantly becomes the most dangerous hitter in Pittsburgh’s lineup.
That’s the upside. The downside?
His presence squeezes the DH spot, which now blocks either O’Hearn or Horwitz from seeing regular playing time. And that’s not ideal when you’re trying to maximize every ounce of offensive production.
So how do you make it all work?
Bryan Reynolds: The Key to Unlocking the Lineup
The answer may lie in a subtle-but significant-defensive shift. Bryan Reynolds, the Pirates’ cornerstone outfielder, could be the one to unlock this puzzle.
Here’s the logic: O’Hearn has played in both outfield corners during his career, but he’s far more comfortable in right field. Reynolds, on the other hand, was primarily a left fielder before moving to center and right in recent seasons. His final year in left field wasn’t great-he posted minus-9 outs above average in 2024-but he’s shown in the past that he can be at least serviceable there.
If Reynolds slides back over to left field, O’Hearn can take over in right. That opens up first base for Horwitz and locks Ozuna into the DH role full-time.
Suddenly, the pieces fit. You’re not sacrificing a bat, and you’re not asking anyone to play wildly out of position.
It’s not perfect defensively, but it’s a lineup that gives you the best chance to score runs-something the Pirates desperately need.
The X-Factor: Oneil Cruz in Center Field
Now, about that defense. With two corner outfielders who aren’t exactly Gold Glovers, center field becomes even more important. That’s where the Pirates are betting big on Oneil Cruz.
Cruz, with his elite athleticism and massive arm, has the raw tools to be an impact defender in center. He’s still learning the nuances of the position, but with veteran Kevin Kiermaier in the fold-one of the best defensive outfielders of his generation-there’s hope that Cruz can take a major step forward. If that development clicks, the Pirates can afford to be a little weaker in the corners because the middle of the field will be locked down.
Big Picture: The Offense Is Finally Taking Shape
At the end of the day, this offseason was always about one thing: getting the bats right. And with the additions of Ozuna and O’Hearn, plus the continued growth of Horwitz, the Pirates now have a starting nine that can finally do some damage.
Reynolds shifting to left field isn’t just a minor adjustment-it’s the move that allows the entire offense to function at full capacity. It’s a domino effect: Reynolds to left, O’Hearn to right, Horwitz at first, Ozuna at DH.
Everyone’s bat is in the lineup. Everyone has a role.
And for the first time in a while, the Pirates look like a team that can put up some runs.
There’s still work to be done, especially on the pitching side and in rounding out the bench, but offensively? This group looks ready to take a leap. And in Pittsburgh, that’s a welcome change of pace.