The Pittsburgh Pirates are preparing to bolster their offense as they look to improve their dismal batting performance this season. First baseman Spencer Horwitz is en route to Pirate City to face live pitching, signaling the start of his rehab assignment after the Pirates acquired him from the Cleveland Guardians. The acquisition, which involved sending pitcher Luis Ortiz and other prospects, is expected to help the Pirates when Horwitz officially joins the lineup in late April or early May.

Entering the new season, the Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves at the bottom of the National League Central, grappling with injuries to key players like Jared Jones, Spencer Horwitz, and Nick Gonzales. However, the spotlight is on Paul Skenes, a 22-year-old pitcher establishing himself as a potential ace with an impressive 197 ERA+ since his debut. As he heads toward arbitration eligibility in 2026, questions arise about the Pirates' financial capacity to retain him amid a historically low payroll.

The organization’s lack of urgency during offseason dealings reflects a concerning trend. While other teams swiftly address roster deficiencies, the Pirates have hesitated to make impactful changes, exemplified by their delayed decision to remove David Bednar as closer after a rocky start. Additionally, the team's experiment with Oneil Cruz in center field, despite his defensive struggles, raises eyebrows. The Pirates must act decisively to build around Skenes before time runs out.

Identifying breakout players is crucial for fantasy baseball success, especially in the mid-rounds of drafts. Concentrating on infielders aged 26-29, a few players have the potential to deliver significant value this season. Jonathan Aranda of the Tampa Bay Rays presents an intriguing option with his power potential, especially playing at Steinbrenner Field. Baltimore's Jordan Westburg is valuable due to his eligibility at multiple positions, while Michael Toglia of the Rockies is noted for his impressive power numbers. The Angels' Luis Rengifo and Houston's Isaac Paredes both have abilities that could result in productive seasons if given the opportunity.

Spencer Horwitz of the Pirates has the potential to pounce on his opportunity following a wrist injury, while Joey Ortiz of the Brewers could regain his first-half form after playing through injury. Each of these players could be a steal in drafts, providing solid statistics while being overlooked by many.