7:54am: The Pittsburgh Pirates and veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna have reached an agreement on a one-year, $12 million contract, according to reports from Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Ozuna Heads to Pittsburgh on One-Year Deal
The Pirates are adding a proven power hitter to their lineup, though questions remain about positional fit and defensive alignment.
- Marcell Ozuna will earn $12 million for the 2026 season, with a $1.5 million buyout on a $16 million mutual option for 2027.
- The 35-year-old Ozuna is coming off a season where he hit 21 home runs for the Atlanta Braves despite battling a hip injury.
- Pittsburgh’s lineup gains a significant offensive threat, but the team will need to sort out a crowded corner infield situation.
- The signing pushes the Pirates’ payroll to a franchise-record $101.282 million, signaling a willingness to invest in winning.
The Pirates are betting on a rebound season from Ozuna, who turned 35 in November. While 2025 wasn’t his most dominant year, he still provided better-than-average offensive production for Atlanta, batting .232/.355/.400 with a career-high 15.9% walk rate, a 24.3% strikeout rate, 21 home runs, and 19 doubles in 592 plate appearances. His performance was a bit of a rollercoaster, starting strong in April and May, dipping in June, and then stabilizing as a slightly above-average hitter for the remainder of the season.
A Dip in Power?
A hip injury, which Ozuna played through at less than full strength, may have contributed to a decline in his bat speed. Statcast data shows his bat speed decreased from 75 mph in 2023 (86th percentile among MLB hitters) to 74 mph in 2024 (81st percentile) and 72.9 mph in 2025 (64th percentile). This corresponded with lower exit velocity and hard-hit rates, averaging 89.9 mph off the bat and a 44.4% hard-hit rate in 2025, down from 92.2 mph and 53.3% in 2024.
Navigating a Crowded Infield
Ozuna’s arrival presents a bit of a puzzle for the Pirates’ positional alignment. PNC Park isn’t known as a hitter’s haven, particularly for right-handed power. The team already had Spencer Horwitz and Ryan O’Hearn vying for time at first base and designated hitter, with O’Hearn potentially seeing some action in left field. Horwitz finished 2025 strong, hitting .314/.402/.539 over his final two-plus months and is now locked into an everyday role. O’Hearn is versatile, capable of playing the outfield corners, but Bryan Reynolds already has one of those spots secured.
With Ozuna exclusively a designated hitter for the past two seasons (logging only 14 innings in the field in 2023), O’Hearn is likely to see more regular playing time in the outfield. He has experience on the grass, though he’s considered a subpar defender there, while being above average at first base. Horwitz has 604 professional innings in left field, all in the minors, with some experience at second base, a position already filled by newly acquired Brandon Lowe.
Potential Lineup Impact
The anticipated alignment has O’Hearn in left field, Lowe at second, Horwitz at first base, and Ozuna at designated hitter. While not ideal defensively, the Pirates are prioritizing offensive firepower, adding quality bats to a lineup that has often struggled. The newcomers join Reynolds, Horwitz, and Oneil Cruz, potentially forming a strong top six, with top prospect Connor Griffin expected to debut in 2026.
McCutchen’s Future in Question
Ozuna’s signing likely signals the end of Andrew McCutchen’s second stint with the Pirates. While he could serve as a right-handed bench bat, McCutchen played 120 games at designated hitter in 2025, a role now occupied by Ozuna. Reports indicate McCutchen recently met with Pirates owner Bob Nutting, following the veteran expressing frustration with the team’s offseason communication.
A New Financial Era for Pittsburgh?
Adding Ozuna brings the Pirates’ payroll to $101.282 million, a new franchise record for Opening Day. While still modest compared to other teams, the Pirates have spent over $50 million in free agency and absorbed Lowe’s $11.5 million salary in a trade. Further moves are possible, as the team has been seeking upgrades at third base. The team reportedly made a four-year, $120-125 million offer to Kyle Schwarber, indicating a willingness to spend more than in the past. Jared Triolo currently holds the hot corner, providing solid defense but lacking offensive punch.
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