The Pittsburgh Pirates released veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna on Wednesday, cutting ties with the struggling slugger just months after signing him to a one-year, $12 million contract.
When the Pittsburgh Pirates brought in Marcell Ozuna this past February, the front office envisioned a middle-of-the-order anchor who could protect the lineup and drive in runs with a mutual option for 2027 attached to his deal. Instead, the three-time All-Star endured a severe offensive slump that lasted all season, forcing the organization to absorb the financial hit and move on.
A Disastrous Statistical Collapse in Pittsburgh
Ozuna never found his timing in black and gold. Over 70 games and 280 plate appearances, the 35-year-old right-handed hitter managed just a .203 batting average, a .286 on-base percentage, and a .327 slugging mark according to league reporting. His production fell 31% below league average by measure of wRC+, accompanied by a career-worst 28.6% strikeout rate.
The offensive struggles began immediately. Ozuna batted just .162 by the end of April and saw his playing time steadily evaporate as manager Don Kelly reduced his starts over the summer months. He appeared in only 11 games in June and 12 in July, with his final appearance coming on August 1 in Cincinnati, where he went 1 for 4 with a double.
The sharp regression stood in stark contrast to Ozuna’s recent production with the Atlanta Braves, where he launched 40 home runs in 2023 and 39 home runs with 104 RBIs in 2024. For a franchise trying to generate power, the investment turned into a heavy burden.
Roster Pressure and the Promotion of Ronny Simon
The club is currently playing without key bats including Oneil Cruz, Konnor Griffin, and Ryan O’Hearn who faces an extended absence due to a quad strain.
To fill the active and 40-man roster vacancies created by Ozuna’s departure, Pittsburgh selected the contract of infielder and outfielder Ronny Simon from Triple-A Indianapolis. Simon has dominated minor league pitching, leading the International League with a .330 batting average alongside seven home runs, 63 RBIs, and 33 stolen bases across 99 games.
Impact on the Designated Hitter Role and Lineup Depth
Ozuna’s release leaves a significant void at designated hitter, a position where Pittsburgh struggled mightily all year. Pirates designated hitters collectively posted a .223/.293/.363 slash line, giving the team a 79 wRC+ that ranks among the worst in Major League Baseball alongside the Tigers, D-backs, and Royals.
Manager Don Kelly plans to rotate several players through the designated hitter spot moving forward. Bryan Reynolds and the newly recalled Simon will see looks at the position, while Jhostynxon Garcia stands to gain extra outfield reps as the club shuffles its personnel for the stretch run.
Teammate Relationships and What Lies Ahead
Despite his on-field struggles, Ozuna maintained a strong presence inside the clubhouse. Teammates and club insiders noted that the veteran served as a positive voice and a mentor to younger players like Oneil Cruz, Esmerlyn Valdez, and Konnor Griffin throughout the frustrating campaign.
Because the transaction occurs after the trade deadline, Ozuna will clear release waivers and become a free agent eligible to sign with any club for the prorated major league minimum or accept a minor league deal to rebuild his mechanics. For Pittsburgh, absorbing the remainder of the $12 million commitment marks a costly pivot, but one the front office deemed necessary to jump-start an offense fighting to secure a postseason berth.
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