The Pittsburgh Pirates are making a strategic move to reshape their lineup as they prepare for the upcoming season, adding veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna on a one-year deal valued at $12 million. The agreement, first reported by the New York Post and later confirmed by ESPN, gives Pittsburgh a fresh opportunity to strengthen an offense that ranked at the bottom of Major League Baseball in home runs last year.
The contract, which is pending a physical, includes a mutual option for 2027. The structure of the deal positions Ozuna as a key addition during a pivotal moment for the Pirates, who are working to improve consistency and output across their roster after struggling to find reliable power at the plate.
Contract terms give Ozuna a fresh chance in the National League
The arrangement pays Ozuna $10.5 million for the 2026 season, with the possibility of a $16 million salary in 2027 if both sides decide to extend the stay. The built-in buyout ensures Pittsburgh can reassess the move based on performance, health and overall team needs.
For Ozuna, the contract represents a new chapter following his time with Atlanta, where he delivered both high-impact seasons and challenging stretches. This deal gives him the opportunity to reestablish his offensive presence and contribute to a team seeking a more dynamic hitting profile.
Pittsburgh seeks to address last season’s struggles at the plate
The Pirates finished last season with only 117 home runs, the lowest total in the league. The front office has spent the offseason exploring ways to reverse that trend. Before agreeing with Ozuna, the team was linked to power hitters including Kyle Schwarber and Eugenio Suárez. Both ultimately signed elsewhere, leaving Pittsburgh searching for another option capable of producing runs.
Ozuna, known for his strength as a designated hitter, fits the profile of a player who can help close that gap. While last year marked a downturn offensively, his broader record offers reasons for optimism. He hit 21 home runs last season, which was a noticeable drop from his peak performance, but still provides a foundation the Pirates believe they can build upon.
A decorated career brings leadership and experience
Ozuna’s career has included significant highlights since his debut in 2013. He has earned three All-Star selections, two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove. He has also received multiple MVP votes throughout his career, including a fourth-place finish in 2024. His experience across both the National League and American League gives Pittsburgh a veteran presence capable of guiding younger players while delivering key innings as a designated hitter.
Since joining the Braves in 2020, Ozuna hit 148 home runs, placing him among the top performers at his position. Only Shohei Ohtani and Schwarber surpassed him in home run totals during that period among designated hitters. Despite a lower OPS last season, his body of work reflects proven production that the Pirates hope will resurface in their lineup.
A long baseball journey adds context to his newest move
Ozuna originally signed with the Miami Marlins in 2008 before making his major league debut five years later. His career has included impactful seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves, including the memorable 2020 performance where he posted a career-best OPS. The trade that sent him to St. Louis included notable prospects Sandy Alcantara and Zac Gallen, both of whom went on to become standout pitchers with award-winning seasons.
Now entering his mid-30s, Ozuna joins a Pirates team looking to blend developing talent with experienced veterans. His role as a designated hitter allows him to focus primarily on offensive production, making him a key piece of Pittsburgh’s efforts to improve power numbers and compete more effectively within their division.
As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the Pirates are banking on this one-year partnership to pay off in ways that enhance both the team’s performance and Ozuna’s trajectory as he enters another stage of his career.
Source: ESPN
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