The Pittsburgh Pirates are enjoying a busy offseason with multiple signings, the latest being Marcell Ozuna. Ozuna can provide the team with much-needed right-handed power at bat and further stabilize the lineup surrounding ace Paul Skenes.
Ozuna and the Pirates agreed on a 1-year $12 million deal with a mutual club option for $16 million in 2027 and a $1.5 million buyout. He is expected to make $10.5 million in 2026. The deal is pending physical.
Ozuna’s addition will boost the offense that was considered one of the worst in 2025 and will help Skenes with improved run support. One fan on X commented:
•
“Paul Skenes getting actual run insurance this year.”
“Did they just win the offseason?” another questioned.
“Ozuna from the Pirates just hits different,” one X user said.
“Is he worth $12 million a year?” another inquired.
“Pittsburgh gonna mess around and clinch a wild card berth,” one added.
“I really like Ozuna, who was competing with Ohtani. Do your best for Paul Skenes!” another penned.
The Pirates also added Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, Gregory Soto, José Urquidy and Mason Montgomery in the offseason.
While Ozuna had a down-year last season, in 2023 and 2024, he ranked as one of the top sluggers in the NL. Ozuna recorded 21 HRs, 68 RBIs, and hit .232 with the Atlanta Braves last season.
Does Marcell Ozuna’s signing signal end of Andrew McCutchen era?
The Pittsburgh Pirates have not signed Andrew McCutchen in free agency. Marcell Ozuna’s signing could potentially signal an end to the veteran’s Pittsburgh stint.
The veteran designated hitter voiced his frustration over the Pirates’ inaction on social media. Their conflict arose with team looking toward a rebuild. They’ve been on a losing streak for seven seasons; three since McCutchen’s return to Pittsburgh.
Edited by Chaitanya Prakash
