Surprising Pirates Player Named Pittsburgh's Top Trade Chip

The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to be in the playoff hunt coming out of the All-Star Break. But if the Bucs want to get back to the postseason for the first time in over a decade, they still need to make some additions at the trade deadline, primarily in the bullpen.

If the Pirates want to add something of value, they'll need to give up something of value, too. 

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With that in mind, MLB.com recently named Pittsburgh's best trade chip, and it came as a little big of a shock: Spencer Horwitz.

"This one might come as a surprise. While the Pirates have plenty of prospects to deal, they could dig into their big league roster to acquire more pitching," wrote MLB.com.

"Horwitz is under club control through 2030, and with the emergence of Esmerlyn Valdez in right field, Ryan O'Hearn could be better suited for first base. That would make Horwitz, who could return from a left hamstring strain this month, an intriguing chip with great value."

On the one hand, Horwitz is in the midst of a true breakout season and has been one of the Pirates' best offensive players over the last two years. His .841 OPS ranks second on the roster this season, and he has also hit 10 home runs. 

Sure, having O'Hearn and Valdez's emergence complicates things defensively, but Horwtiz also has experience at second base; there's a way to get him into the lineup alongside the veteran and the rookie. 

Jun 11, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz (2) hits an RBI single against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

On the other hand, that production, along with Horwitz's remaining team control, could make the centerpiece in a blockbuster trade at the deadline.

The Pirates need more bullpen pitching, and the 28-year-old could help them get it.

Plus, flipping Horwitz, who the Pirates got from the Cleveland Guardians for a backage centered around Luis Ortiz, for a win-now player, would be a win for the front office. 

Still, trading one of the team's top bats could be a hard sell to a fanbase starved for offense for the last few seasons.  

Unless the Pirates are landing a superstar closer, say Pittsburgh native Mason Miller, it'd be shocking to see the team trade Horwitz when he's still under team control for years to come and has been one of the team's best offensive players this season. 

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