Marcell Ozuna Signs 1-Year, $12M Deal with Pittsburgh Pirates
In a move that's shaking up the MLB offseason, veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna has agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The deal, first reported by the New York Post and confirmed by ESPN's Jeff Passan, includes a mutual option for 2027 and is pending a physical. This signing comes at a pivotal time for the Pirates, who are looking to fortify their lineup after a season plagued by offensive woes.
The Deal Breakdown
Ozuna's contract will pay him $10.5 million in 2026, with the potential for $16 million in 2027 if both sides opt in—complete with a $1.5 million buyout. At 35 years old, Ozuna brings proven power to a Pirates team that desperately needs it. Last season, Pittsburgh's offense limped to just 117 home runs, the lowest total in Major League Baseball. Ozuna, despite a down year in 2025 where he hit 21 homers with a .756 OPS, has a track record of mashing balls out of the park.
Since joining the Atlanta Braves in 2020, Ozuna has slugged 148 home runs, ranking 18th in baseball during that span. Among designated hitters, only Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber have out-homered him. The Pirates, fresh off acquiring All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe and signing first baseman/outfielder Ryan O'Hearn, are clearly committed to surrounding their young pitching ace—reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes—with more firepower.
Ozuna's Journey to Pittsburgh
Ozuna's path to the Pirates wasn't straightforward. The Dominican Republic native, who debuted with the Miami Marlins in 2013, has bounced around the league, including stints with the St. Louis Cardinals. His time in Atlanta was his most productive, but 2025 marked a dip: playing exclusively as a DH, he struggled to replicate his 2024 form of a .925 OPS. Off-field issues, including past legal troubles, have occasionally overshadowed his on-field talent, but his bat remains a weapon.
Pittsburgh had eyes on other big names earlier this offseason, like Kyle Schwarber (who re-signed with the Phillies) and Eugenio Suarez (now with the Diamondbacks). Ultimately, Ozuna emerged as the target, especially after the Braves let him walk into free agency. This signing might signal the end of an era for Pirates icon Andrew McCutchen. The 39-year-old, five-time All-Star and 2013 NL MVP, hit .239 with 13 homers last year and remains unsigned, potentially shifting to a platoon role or retirement.
Impact on the Pirates' Offense
The Pirates' acquisition of Ozuna is more than just adding a power bat—it's a strategic pivot. PNC Park has long been a pitcher's paradise for right-handed hitters, and Ozuna's career numbers there reflect that: a meager .225 average with just one homer in 36 games. Can he overcome the park's dimensions, which suppress home runs by about 10% for righties? Pirates fans are hopeful, given Ozuna's ability to pull the ball and his experience in hitter-friendly Truist Park.
With Skenes anchoring the rotation and young arms like Jared Jones and Bubba Chandler in the mix, Pittsburgh's pitching is set. Now, the offense gets a veteran presence to mentor prospects like Termarr Johnson and Bubba Chandler while providing immediate pop. Analysts predict this could push the Pirates toward 80 wins in 2026, a step up from their recent sub-.500 finishes. Ozuna's role as DH allows flexibility, potentially platooning with O'Hearn or Lowe depending on matchups.
Broader MLB Offseason Context
Ozuna's move fits into a frenzied 2025-26 free agency period. The Yankees are finalizing a deal with Paul Goldschmidt, the Tigers added RHP Jesus Luzardo to their All-Star rotation, and the Orioles notched an arbitration win with Tomoyuki Akin. Meanwhile, tragedies like the death of former Royals speedster Terrance Gore at 34 remind us of the human side of the sport.
ESPN's Buster Olney and Jeff Passan have dissected the offseason, noting how teams like the Pirates are bridging youth and experience. Farm system rankings from Kiley McDaniel place Cleveland at No. 1, but Pittsburgh's aggressive spending—unusual for a small-market club—signals ambition. Fantasy baseball drafters, take note: Ozuna could be a mid-round steal if he rebounds in Pittsburgh's spacious outfield.
Challenges and Expectations Ahead
Not everything is rosy. Ozuna's 2025 decline raises questions about his age and durability. At 35, maintaining power without defensive value is tough, especially in a park that doesn't favor his swing. The mutual option provides an out if things sour, but success hinges on health and adaptation.
For the Pirates, this is a low-risk, high-reward bet. If Ozuna recaptures even 80% of his Braves form, he could be the catalyst for a wildcard push. As spring training looms, all eyes are on Pittsburgh—will Ozuna turn PNC Park into his personal launchpad? The 2026 season promises intrigue, and the Pirates just got a lot more interesting.
This deal underscores MLB's evolving landscape: small-market teams getting aggressive, veterans finding second winds, and the endless quest for that elusive offensive edge. Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for more MLB updates as the offseason heats up.
