Pittsburgh Pirates Secure Marcell Ozuna for One Year
The Pittsburgh Pirates bolster their offense with the arrival of Dominican slugger Marcell Ozuna, following a one-year deal for $12 million. The news was revealed this Monday. The contract, subject to physical examination, includes a mutual option of $16 million for the 2027 season and a $1.5 million buyout clause. Ozuna becomes one of the most important offensive additions for the Pirates for the 2026 season, being the third key reinforcement for the lineup during the offseason. Previously, Pittsburgh acquired Brandon Lowe and signed Ryan O’Hearn. The organization has also strengthened its pitching staff with Gregory Soto and Mason Montgomery for the bullpen, and José Urquidy for the rotation. On the offensive side, Ozuna could be the starting designated hitter, a role he could share with O’Hearn. At 35 years old, Ozuna has been called up to the All-Star Game three times and has two Silver Slugger Awards. Although his production slightly decreased in the past season, he connected 21 home runs, marking his fourth consecutive season with at least 20 home runs. With the additions of Ozuna, Lowe, and O’Hearn, the Pirates add significant offensive power, a priority for a franchise 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 a lineup that could also soon welcome baseball’s number one prospect, Konnor Griffin. Ozuna was one of the most productive sluggers 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 batted .232, with 21 home runs, 68 RBIs, and an OPS of .756. 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, remaining an above-average hitter in Major League Baseball. Because he received a qualifying offer after the 2019 season, Ozuna was not eligible to receive another in 2025, so 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 few places where Ozuna has struggled is PNC Park, his potential new home. Ozuna 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 are confident that Ozuna will be able to balance a dominant lineup of left-handers. Lowe, O’Hearn, and outfielder Oneil Cruz are left-handed. Outfielder Bryan Reynolds is ambidextrous. The Pirates begin spring training when pitchers and catchers report to their complex in Bradenton, Florida, later this week.
