The Pittsburgh Pirates have reached an agreement with veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna on a one-year contract worth $12 million, according to multiple reports. This deal, first disclosed Monday by the New York Post, awaits Ozuna’s physical examination before becoming official.
At 35 years old, Ozuna is expected to enhance a Pirates offense that ranked last in Major League Baseball with just 117 home runs during the previous season.
Offseason Moves and the Search for Offensive Power
Before signing with Ozuna, the Pirates pursued other free agents such as Kyle Schwarber and Eugenio Suarez. However, Schwarber re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, and Suarez agreed to terms with the Arizona Diamondbacks, leading Pittsburgh to finalize their focus on Ozuna following his free agency after a subpar year with the Atlanta Braves.
Ozuna played last season exclusively as a designated hitter, posting 21 home runs and a .756 OPS, a decline from his .925 OPS in 2024. Despite the recent downturn, he has been a strong offensive contributor during his time with the Braves, tallying 148 home runs since 2020—ranking eighteenth in Major League Baseball and behind only notable DHs Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
Career Highlights and Team Transitions
Marcell Ozuna initially joined the Braves via free agency in 2020 on a one-year deal, during which he achieved a career-best OPS of 1.067. He then secured a four-year, $65 million contract with Atlanta, including a club option for 2025. Throughout his career, Ozuna has earned three All-Star selections, received two Silver Slugger awards, one Gold Glove, and finished fourth in the National League MVP voting in 2024.
Ozuna’s major league journey began with the Miami Marlins, who signed him in 2008. He debuted in MLB in 2013 before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals prior to the 2018 season. That trade involved highly regarded prospects Sandy Alcantara—later the 2022 NL Cy Young winner—and Zac Gallen, who has multiple top-10 Cy Young finishes to his name.
Implications for the Pirates’ Season and Future Outlook
By adding Ozuna, the Pirates are hoping to revive their offensive production and make a more competitive showing in the National League. His veteran presence and past performance as a reliable designated hitter provide experience to a team aiming to overcome a historically low home run count. How Ozuna adapts following a performance dip last season will be critical in determining the deal’s success.
ESPN contributor Kiley McDaniel aided in reporting this development.
