Assessing the Marcell Ozuna Deal for Pirates
p/c: Dale Zanine-Imagn
The Pittsburgh Pirates are adding another significant bat to the 2026 lineup, as MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports that the Bucs have agreed to sign veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna to a one-year deal worth $12 million, pending a physical.
*Update* Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporting Ozuna’s deal includes a mutual option in 2027 for $16 million.
For the Pirates, it’s been the most active offseason they have had in quite a long time, with the additions of Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum, Ryan O’Hearn, and now Ozuna.
The 35-year-old Ozuna will enter ‘26 in his 14th MLB season. A three-time All Star, Ozuna spent the past six seasons with the Atlanta Braves.
Last season was considered a down year by Ozuna’s standards; slashing .232/.355/.400, along with a 114 wRC+, and 21 home runs in 592 plate appearances. He dealt with a hip injury for much of the year.
Assessment of the deal: The Ozuna signing no doubt closes the door on an Andrew McCutchen return. While McCutchen is obviously a beloved figure among Pirates fans, the reality is that Ozuna presents a better offensive profile.
Assuming Ozuna returns fully healthy this season, he could still be one of the more productive DHs in baseball.
The addition of Ozuna should result in Ryan O’Hearn being the Pirates left fielder on a regular basis, and for Jake Mangum to be a nice, fourth outfield option.
This offseason was Ben Cherington’s goal to vastly improve the offense, and at least on paper, he’s done an outstanding job - objectively speaking.