The Pittsburgh Pirates are shaking things up this season, and it’s got everyone talking. Forget everything you thought you knew about the designated hitter (DH) role—the Pirates are rewriting the rules. While most teams treat the DH as a one-man job, Pittsburgh is considering a bold, unconventional approach: a rotation of players stepping into the spot. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this a stroke of genius or a recipe for inconsistency? Let’s dive in.
Despite their high-profile pursuit of power hitters in free agency, the Pirates have made it clear: the DH role isn’t set in stone. For the past three seasons, franchise legend Andrew McCutchen has filled the spot, but at 39, his future with the team is uncertain. While McCutchen remains a fan favorite, his numbers last season—a .367 slugging percentage and .700 OPS—ranked dead last among qualified DHs. The Pirates have left the door open for his return, but likely in a reduced role. And this is the part most people miss—McCutchen’s decline has forced the team to rethink their strategy entirely.
The Pirates made a splash by offering Kyle Schwarber, one of the top DHs available, a reported four-year, $125 million contract. But Schwarber chose to re-sign with the Phillies, leaving Pittsburgh to explore other options. Enter Marcell Ozuna, a power hitter just one year removed from a 39-homer, 104-RBI season. Ozuna’s career numbers as a DH are impressive: a .271/.356/.504 slash line with 125 homers and 344 RBIs in 554 games. His plate discipline—a 15.9% walk rate and 22.3% chase rate—puts him in the elite tier of hitters. But would he fit into the Pirates’ long-term plans?
General Manager Ben Cherington hinted at the team’s flexibility in late December: ‘We could rotate players through the DH spot, depending on what opportunities arise this offseason. Our priority is building the best team for 2026 without compromising our long-term goals.’ This approach has sparked debate—some argue it maximizes versatility, while others worry it lacks consistency. Is the Pirates’ DH rotation a masterstroke or a risky gamble? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
If the Pirates opt for an in-house solution, they have solid options. Ryan O’Hearn, who signed a two-year, $29 million deal, started at DH for the American League in last year’s All-Star Game. In 185 career games at DH, he’s batted .247/.331/.416 with 25 homers. Spencer Horwitz, though less experienced, has shown promise with a .282/.378/.435 line in 25 games. Both players offer positional flexibility—O’Hearn can play right field, while Horwitz can cover second base—giving manager Donnie Kelly plenty of lineup options.
Perhaps the most intriguing candidate is Bryan Reynolds. Last season, Reynolds batted .259/.329/.489 in 35 games as DH, outperforming his overall numbers. His switch-hitting ability and consistency have drawn comparisons to stars like Yandy Diaz. ‘Reynolds is Mr. Consistency,’ said Brandon Lowe, a two-time All-Star acquired from Tampa Bay. ‘You always know what you’re going to get from him.’ But with Lowe expected to start at second base, where does that leave Reynolds?
Other players, like Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales, could factor into the DH rotation, though their roles are less defined. Cruz’s arm and speed are better suited for center field, while Gonzales, a right-handed bat, could be a weapon against left-handed pitching. As O’Hearn put it, ‘There’s a lot of talented hitters on this team. I think I complement the lineup well.’
So, what’s the verdict? Is the Pirates’ DH-by-committee approach a game-changer or a risky experiment? Does it prioritize flexibility over stability? And which player do you think will shine in this role? The Pirates are betting on a unique strategy, but only time will tell if it pays off. What’s your take? Share your thoughts below—we want to hear from you!
