PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – With Marzell Ozuna being the every day designated hitter, what does that do for the Pirates in the field in 2026.
As of the opening of Spring Training, there are only a few positions that are set. Oneil Cruz will play centerfield, a combination of Jared Triolo, Nick Gonzales and Konnor Griffin will play shortstop and third base.
While we know most of the names who will play, where is another issue.
Interesting decisions:
1st base
· Ryan O’Hearn has played 506 career games in the field, 385 of those, or 76% at first base. Spencer Horwitz—in 188 career MLB games in the field, 148 are at first base—that’s 79% with a .995 fielding percentage.
The new addition in a July trade with the Yankees also plays first. Rafael Flores has played 120 of 316 career minor-league games at first base, .990 fielding percentage.
2nd base
· 31-year-old Brandon Lowe is the most experienced MLB player at second, 89% of his career games in the field are at second base and said he’s worked this offseason at his defense there. Horwitz said he’s bringing his infield glove to camp. He played 58 career games at second, .975 fielding percentage. Nick Gonzales has played 231 games in the field in the majors, 199 at second base with a .982 fielding percentage.
Left field
· The player who could cover the most ground is Jake Mangum, the best arm would be rookie Jhostynxon Garcia and the most experience is Bryan Reynolds. However, the Pirates moved Reynolds to right last year. If it’s more of a physical issue for Reynolds (.991 fielding percentage in 118 games in left in 2024 and a career-high seven assists), O’Hearn has only played 20 games in his career in left compared to 101 in right. The 32-year-old has only one outfield error in his career, however has likely never had to cover as much space as left field at PNC Park.
Right field
· Reynolds, who had played primarily in left or center, moved to right full time in 2025 with a .992 fielding percentage. Most of O’Hearn’s games in the outfield have been in right. Both of those players are in their 30s. Garcia, Mangum, Jack Suwinski and Triolo can all play right field.
· Reynolds, who had played primarily in left or center, moved to right full time in 2025 with a .992 fielding percentage. Most of O’Hearn’s games in the outfield have been in right. Both of those players are in their 30s. Garcia, Mangum, Jack Suwinski and Triolo can all play right field.
Catcher
· There is a true position battle here with three listed as catcher on the 40-man roster. Joey Bart has the most experience, Henry Davis caught Paul Skenes last year and is likely the best defensive option. Flores is primarily a catcher with a .990 fielding percentage and throwing out 16% of the runners over his career. The wild card is Endy Rodriguez, the former highly rated prospect has played only 18 games in the last two years and claims his surgically repaired elbow is fine. He played nine games last year behind the plate.
While Horwitz and Lowe have never played third, could that be a future option if the Pirates don’t add another third baseman?
MLB.com projects an opening day lineup with Horwitz at first, Lowe at second, Bart behind the plate, Reynolds in right and O’Hearn in left. It puts the best bats in the lineup, but makes the outfield, with a still relatively inexperienced Cruz in center, compelling.