The designated hitter role in baseball is often seen as a one-person job, but the Pittsburgh Pirates are challenging this notion, sparking a debate that could reshape how teams approach this position. Is the DH spot a fixed role or a strategic rotation? This question lies at the heart of the Pirates' current strategy, and it’s one that could redefine their lineup in the coming seasons.
Despite their high-profile pursuit of power hitters in free agency, the Pirates have remained steadfast in their belief that the designated hitter doesn’t necessarily need to be a single player’s domain. Over the past three seasons, this role has been filled by franchise legend Andrew McCutchen. However, at 39 years old and still unsigned just a week before spring training, McCutchen’s future with the team is uncertain. While he ranked among the Pirates’ top hitters in doubles (22), home runs (13), and RBIs (57), his slugging percentage (.367) and OPS (.700) placed him last among qualified designated hitters last season. The Pirates haven’t ruled out a return for McCutchen, but it’s unlikely he’ll retain the same prominent role.
But here’s where it gets controversial: The Pirates made a bold move by offering Kyle Schwarber, arguably the best available DH, a reported four-year, $125 million contract. However, Schwarber opted to re-sign with the Philadelphia Phillies. They’ve also shown interest in Marcell Ozuna, who is just one year removed from a 39-homer, 104-RBI season. Yet, instead of locking in a single DH, the Pirates are exploring a rotational approach.
General manager Ben Cherington hinted at this strategy in late December, stating, ‘Certainly a path we could take is to have guys rotate through that spot. It really depends on the opportunities we have this offseason. Our goal is to build the best team possible, focusing on 2026 while avoiding any long-term setbacks.’ Cherington added, ‘If the DH spot becomes a rotation among position players, Donnie (Kelly) is comfortable with that plan. If we find someone who excels there, that works too.’
And this is the part most people miss: Marcell Ozuna could be a game-changer. While his career numbers (296 home runs, 948 RBIs over 13 seasons) trail McCutchen’s, Ozuna has thrived as a DH, batting .271/.356/.504 with 125 homers and 344 RBIs in 554 games. His plate discipline is impressive, with a 15.9% walk rate (98th percentile) and a 22.3% chase rate (85th percentile). As a right-handed hitter with nine 20-homer seasons, including 21 last year with the Atlanta Braves, Ozuna would be a significant upgrade.
Internally, the Pirates have solid options. A platoon between first basemen Ryan O’Hearn and Spencer Horwitz could keep both left-handed hitters in the lineup. 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 as a DH, he’s batted .247/.331/.416 with 21 doubles, 25 homers, and 74 RBIs. Horwitz, with a smaller sample size, has batted .282/.378/.435 in 25 career games as a DH.
Both players offer positional versatility, giving manager Donnie Kelly flexibility. O’Hearn can play right field, providing rest for Bryan Reynolds, while Horwitz can play second base, allowing newly acquired Brandon Lowe to DH.
Speaking of Reynolds, the switch-hitter could be the most intriguing candidate. In 35 games as DH last season, he slashed .259/.329/.489, outperforming his overall batting average by 17 points and his overall OPS by 127 points. He produced 11 doubles, six homers, and 22 RBIs from the DH spot alone.
‘Reynolds is the Mr. Consistency of the whole thing,’ said Lowe, a two-time All-Star acquired from Tampa Bay. ‘He’s the Pirates’ version of Yandy Diaz—you know what you’re going to get from him. He’ll give you a fantastic at-bat every single time.’
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Could Brandon Lowe, with his .263/.341/.568 slash line in 76 career DH games, be a better fit at second base, where he’s played 587 games? Or does his DH potential outweigh his defensive value?
Other options include Oneil Cruz, though his .200 average and .586 OPS in 18 DH games make him a less likely candidate. Nick Gonzales, a right-handed bat, could also factor in, especially against left-handed pitching, though he’s yet to take a major league at-bat as a DH.
‘Whatever the lineup, that’s skip’s call,’ said O’Hearn. ‘I’m excited to hit alongside these talented guys. It’s a lineup with great pieces, and I think I complement it well. I’m especially excited to see Oneil Cruz up close—he’s the kind of player who can take over a game at any moment, like Fernando Tatis or Ronald Acuña.’
The Pirates’ approach to the DH spot raises intriguing questions about lineup construction and player versatility. Is this the future of the designated hitter role, or a unique strategy tailored to the Pirates’ roster? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think a rotational DH is a smart move, or should teams stick to a single, consistent player?
