Shortly after, Cleveland called and gave him the heads up that he could be on the move again. Sure enough, he was dealt to Pittsburgh that night.
While the initial trade was a surprise, especially since Cleveland already a first baseman, the recently traded Josh Naylor, Horwitz felt better about things upon the learning of the 2nd trade to the Pirates. Pittsburgh hasn't had full time first baseman since they dealt Josh Bell a few years back.
While Horwitz played some 2nd base with Toronto, his understanding is that he will be vying for a first base in Pittsburgh. And Horwitz is ready to compete.
Horwitz broke out with the bat last year, hitting 12 home runs. Part of his excitement of going to Pittsburgh is working with hitting coach Matt Hague, the former Toronto assistant recently hired by the Pirates.
Horwitz understands who he is as a hitter and a player.
Although he has power, Horwitz also had 19 doubles last year and a solid .357. OBP.
For him, it's about anticipating what the pitcher is going to throw
Although he played 97 games last year, this is his chance to be a full-fledged, everyday, Major League Baseball Player.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 22 | 207 ANSWERS Spencer Horwitz, recently traded by Blue Jays, excited for chance to be everyday player with Pirates. Will Horwitz be the everyday first baseman for the Pirates? | ||
Yes | 178 | 86 % |
No | 29 | 14 % |
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