Pirates Could Sign This Former Yankees Infielder, Three-Time All-Star To Short-Term Deal

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Drew VonScio is a Newsweek contributor based in Pittsburgh, PA. His focus is on MLB content. Drew has been with Newsweek since December 2024 and also works full-time at WTOV, a TV station in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a 2023 graduate of Bethany College (WV) and a 2024 graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. You can get in touch with Drew by emailing d.vonScio@newsweek.com.

Contributing Sports Writer

The Pittsburgh Pirates are searching for answers internally to find their Spencer Horwitz replacement. However, the best option may be outside of the organization.

Currently, the Pirates lineup doesn't have a lot of power and quality hitters. They can't take a chance on hoping a non-roster invitee steps up in Horwitz's absence - especially if they're as serious about contending as they claim to be.

The Pirates need to go out and grab Anthony Rizzo before someone else does.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 28: Anthony Rizzo #48 of the New York Yankees hits a two run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the eighth inning at American Family Field on April 28, 2024... Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Rizzo hit .228 with eight home runs and 35 RBI in 2024 with the New York Yankees after an injury-filled season. He played just 92 games with the Yankees and is searching for a team to play for in 2025.

Currently, Rizzo's market value is $2 million for a one-year deal. If that is truly the dollar amount Rizzo would sign for, it's cheap enough that even a team like the Pirates could afford Rizzo. However, there's a strong chance his perceived market value is higher, and he made it clear he won't sign for less.

"If teams are not going to want to pay a few million dollars for veterans, I've seen it the last 10 years of my career," Rizzo told reporters. "It's what happens to the older guys. They kind of get squeezed. You've seen it happen more and more. I'm not naive to it. It could be it."

It's hard to tell what Rizzo's definition is for a "few million dollars" and what he has been offered to this point. If the Pirates were to sign Rizzo, he would hold things down at first base for them until Horwitz returns from injury. Once he comes back, Rizzo would essentially be a bench player who sees spot starts here and there.

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