Pirates Make Top Free Agent Signing Official: Adding Marcell Ozuna to the Lineup
The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a significant addition to their roster this offseason, officially signing free agent Marcell Ozuna to a one-year deal for the 2026 season with a mutual option for 2027. Ozuna's contract is worth $12 million for 2026 and $16 million for 2027, making him a top free agent signing for the team.
Ozuna, a designated hitter, will wear the No. 24 jersey, previously worn by Johan Oviedo, who was traded to the Boston Red Sox. The Pirates also designated outfielder Jack Suwinski for assignment to make room for Ozuna on the 40-man roster.
The Pirates needed a right-handed hitter, and Ozuna fits the bill perfectly. He has a successful major league career, including three All-Star selections (2016-17, 2024), two Silver Slugger Awards (2017, 2020), and a Gold Glove Award in 2017. Ozuna has been a designated hitter for the past three seasons with the Atlanta Braves, allowing him to focus solely on his hitting.
His performance over the years showcases his durability and consistent power. Ozuna has hit more than 20 home runs in every season he has played at least 100 games, except for one. Here's a breakdown of his home runs per season:
- 2014: 23 home runs
- 2015: 10 home runs
- 2016: 23 home runs
- 2017: 37 home runs
- 2018: 23 home runs
- 2019: 29 home runs
- 2022: 23 home runs
- 2023: 40 home runs
- 2024: 39 home runs
- 2025: 21 home runs
The 2024 season was particularly impressive, with Ozuna slashing .302/.378/.546 for an OPS of .924 in 162 games. He earned his third All-Star nod and finished fourth in the National League MVP voting. However, his numbers dipped in 2025, with a .232/.355/.400 OPS in 145 games, raising concerns about his production decline at 35 years old.
Despite a hip injury that affected his play in 2025, Ozuna still performed better than any other Pirates player. He ranked fifth in on-base percentage and eighth in OPS among qualified MLB designated hitters, and was one of just four NL hitters to hit 20 home runs in each of the last four campaigns.
The Pirates' hitting struggles in 2025 were evident, with the lowest slugging percentage (.350) and OPS (.655) in the league. They also had the third-lowest batting average (.231) and the eighth-lowest on-base percentage (.305).
With Ozuna's addition, the Pirates will need to adjust their lineup. He will take over the designated hitter role, previously occupied by franchise legend Andrew McCutchen, who is now a free agent. The Pirates will likely rotate players like Ryan O'Hearn, Bryan Reynolds, and Spencer Horwitz in and out of the designated hitter role.
Additionally, Jake Mangum, who came to the Pirates in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, will see more time in the outfield due to Ozuna's presence.
However, off-field concerns arise with Ozuna's past legal troubles. He was arrested and charged with aggravated assault by strangulation and battery in 2021, and later completed a diversion program, which dropped the charges. The MLB placed him on the Restricted List, resulting in a missed 20-game season and postseason. Ozuna was also arrested for DUI in 2022, pleading no contest and paying a fine.
The Pirates have a history of signing players with domestic violence accusations, including pitchers like Aroldis Chapman, Domingo German, and Mike Clevinger. They have also kept players like Ji Hwan Bae, who faced assault charges, on their roster.
Despite these concerns, the Pirates' addition of Marcell Ozuna is a significant move, addressing their need for a right-handed hitter and adding a proven performer to their lineup.
