The Pittsburgh Pirates bolster their offense with the acquisition of Dominican slugger Marcell Ozuna, through a one-year, $12 million deal, according to sources close to the team. The contract could include a mutual option of $16 million for the 2027 season, in addition to a $1.5 million buyout clause.
Ozuna becomes a key piece for the 2026 season, being the third important reinforcement in the lineup during the offseason. Previously, the Pirates added Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn.
The organization has also strengthened its pitching staff, with the additions of Gregory Soto, Mason Montgomery, and José Urquidy.
In terms of offense, Ozuna is expected to be the starting designated hitter, a role he could share with O’Hearn.
At 35 years old, Ozuna has been called to the All-Star Game three times and has two Silver Slugger Awards. Last season, he hit 21 home runs, marking his fourth consecutive season with at least 20 home runs.
With the arrivals of Ozuna, Lowe, and O’Hearn, the Pirates seek to add offensive power, a crucial aspect for a team that finished last in home runs, slugging, and OPS in 2025.
This new offensive core joins figures like Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, and Spencer Horwitz, adding more depth to the lineup, which could soon welcome prospect Konnor Griffin.
Ozuna was one of the most productive hitters in the National League in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, he hit 40 home runs, drove in 100 runs, and recorded an OPS of .905, while in 2024, he hit 39 home runs, drove in 104 runs, and finished fourth in the MVP voting, with an OPS of .925.
In the past season, Ozuna hit .232, with 21 home runs, 68 RBIs, and an OPS of .756. Despite the discomfort in his right hip, he finished with an OPS+ of 113, backed by a notable walk rate of 15.9% and an on-base percentage of .355.
In the last three seasons, Ozuna has averaged 33 home runs and over 90 RBIs, proving to be a consistent hitter in Major League Baseball.
Due to a qualifying offer after the 2019 season, the Pirates will not have to forfeit a Draft pick as compensation for his signing.
Ozuna has been a three-time All-Star and has batted .269 in 13 seasons with Miami, St. Louis, and Atlanta. The Dominican has batted above .300 on three occasions, most recently in 2024.
One of the areas where Ozuna has struggled is at PNC Park, his possible new home. He has a career batting average of .225, with only one home run in 36 games in a stadium that has historically been difficult for right-handed hitters.
The Pirates hope Ozuna will balance a lineup dominated by left-handed hitters, such as Lowe, O’Hearn, and outfielder Oneil Cruz, in addition to the switch-hitter Bryan Reynolds.
The Pirates will begin spring training when pitchers and catchers report to Bradenton, Florida, later this week.
