The Pittsburgh Pirates have shown interest in adding veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna to their roster, according to Katie Woo and Will Sammon of The Athletic. While no deal appears imminent, the Buccos stand out as the first team to make a strong connection with Ozuna during the offseason. The Pirates’ pursuit of Ozuna aligns with their goal to bolster offensive production after missing out on several higher-profile hitters.
Marcell Ozuna’s 2025 Season Performance and Career Overview
Marcell Ozuna, who turned 35 last November, experienced a down year by his standards in 2025 but remained a solid offensive contributor. With Atlanta, Ozuna posted a .232 batting average, a .355 on-base percentage, and a .400 slugging percentage. He recorded a career-best 15.9% walk rate alongside a 24.3% strikeout rate, while hitting 21 home runs and 19 doubles in 592 plate appearances. Ozuna began the season strongly in April and May, struggled through June, and finished with slightly above-average performance in the final months.
Challenges of Incorporating Ozuna into the Pirates’ Lineup
Despite the potential boost Ozuna would provide to the Pirates’ offense, integrating him into the team poses challenges. PNC Park, known as one of the least favorable environments in MLB for right-handed power hitters, could limit his impact. Additionally, the Pirates’ current lineup construction complicates finding regular playing time for an everyday designated hitter. Spencer Horwitz and Ryan O’Hearn are expected to share first base and DH duties, with Horwitz locked into a consistent role after a strong finish in 2025.
Lineup Adjustments and Defensive Concerns with Ozuna’s Addition
If Ozuna were signed, O’Hearn would likely be moved to a primary outfield position. While O’Hearn has shown quality defense as a first baseman with Baltimore, his outfield performance has been below average. Placing him in left field could impact playing time for speedy outfielder Jake Mangum and limit opportunities for top prospect Jhostynxon Garcia, acquired by Pittsburgh in the trade that sent Johan Oviedo to Boston earlier this winter.
Balancing Offense and Defense in Pittsburgh’s Team Strategy
The Pirates face a classic dilemma: sacrificing defensive strength to improve a lineup long considered one of the weakest in Major League Baseball. Pittsburgh’s pitching staff, featuring strikeout specialists Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, and Braxton Ashcraft, serves as the team’s foundation. Skenes and Ashcraft complement their strikeout ability with strong ground-ball tendencies, which may mitigate defensive weaknesses in the outfield. Adding hitters like Ozuna could provide much-needed power, boosting a lineup that has not been average offensively since 2014.
Potential Offensive Mix with Ozuna Included
An outfield consisting of Ryan O’Hearn in left, Oneil Cruz in center, and Bryan Reynolds in right would be defensively suboptimal but could create a much stronger batting order. Such a lineup might also include Reynolds, O’Hearn, Horwitz, Ozuna, newly acquired Brandon Lowe, and Konnor Griffin—a top prospect at shortstop—to form one of the more potent offenses the Pirates have fielded in recent years.
Roster Complications Involving Andrew McCutchen
A key complication is fitting Ozuna alongside franchise legend Andrew McCutchen, as both are right-handed hitters primarily occupying designated hitter or outfield roles. Ozuna has not played a defensive inning since 2024, while McCutchen rarely appeared in the field last season. The Pirates may prefer Ozuna’s track record against right-handed pitching, where he posted a .235/.347/.415 slash line compared to McCutchen’s .228/.326/.358.
Andrew McCutchen’s Relationship with the Pirates and Contract Situation
Since returning to Pittsburgh three years ago, McCutchen has expressed his intention to finish his career with the club, residing in the city during the offseason. The Pirates have reciprocated by signing him to consecutive one-year contracts worth $5 million each. However, McCutchen recently revealed frustration over the slow progress in contract negotiations this winter. Ken Rosenthal and Stephen Nesbitt of The Athletic reported that McCutchen met with team owner Bob Nutting last Thursday to discuss the situation.
Other Pursuits and the Pirates’ Offseason Spending Outlook
Whether the target is Ozuna, McCutchen, or another player, it is clear the Pirates remain focused on upgrading their lineup despite missing out on several marquee free agents. The team showed interest in Josh Naylor before he re-signed with the Mariners and reportedly offered him a deal exceeding $80 million. They also presented a record $120-125 million offer to Kyle Schwarber. Additionally, the Pirates sought Kazuma Okamoto and Eugenio Suárez before each signed with other clubs. Following Suárez’s signing with Cincinnati, reports indicated Pittsburgh was willing to add an extra year at the same annual value, but Suárez chose familiarity with the Reds and their hitter-friendly ballpark.
Remaining Time and Payroll Considerations
With about one week before pitchers and catchers report and roughly seven weeks until Opening Day, the Pirates have limited time to finalize roster additions. Their projected payroll stands near $95 million, modestly higher than last year, but recent bids for Schwarber and Suárez suggest management is willing to increase spending to improve the offense. Despite a shrinking pool of available players, the Pirates are expected to add at least one more impactful hitter before the season begins.
I’m told Pirates offered same AAV on Eugenio Suarez ($15 million) were willing to go higher, as well as add another year.
Sounds like his choice came down to a better ballpark fit, familiarity and a chance to cash in next year with a big season.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) February 1, 2026
Pirates offered the same AAV for Suarez as what he signed for with the Reds (and were willing to go higher), according to a source. Sounds like Suarez chose a more favorable ballpark and familiarity with Cincy for a prove-it deal
— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) February 1, 2026
