The Pittsburgh Pirates and Marcell Ozuna have reportedly come to terms on a one-year contract valued at $12 million, pending a physical exam. The deal includes a $10.5 million salary for the upcoming season and a $1.5 million buyout on a $16 million mutual option for 2027. Since mutual options have not been exercised by both sides since 2014, this effectively defers some of the guaranteed money into the following year.
Overview of Ozuna’s Recent Performance and Physical Condition
At 35 years old, Ozuna experienced a challenging 2025 season by his usual standards, though he remained an above-average offensive contributor with the Atlanta Braves. Over 592 plate appearances, he posted a batting line of .232/.355/.400, hitting 21 homers and 19 doubles. He also achieved a career-high walk rate of 15.9%, alongside a 24.3% strikeout rate. His performance fluctuated significantly throughout the season, beginning with a strong start in April and May, dipping in June, and then stabilizing to slightly better than average in the final months.
This decline coincided with a lingering hip injury that affected his play, preventing him from performing at full capacity. While it is uncertain whether age or injury primarily caused his reduced bat speed, Statcast data shows a drop from 75 mph in 2023 (86th percentile among MLB hitters) to 72.9 mph in 2025 (64th percentile). His exit velocity and hard-hit rate also declined, averaging 89.9 mph and 44.4% respectively in 2025. Though respectable, these figures dipped from the previous year’s 92.2 mph and 53.3%.
Implications of Ozuna’s Addition for Pirates’ Roster Composition
While Ozuna represents an overall enhancement for Pittsburgh’s offense, his fit within the team’s lineup presents some challenges. PNC Park is widely regarded as one of the least favorable ballparks in MLB for right-handed power hitters, complicating his opportunity to maximize impact. Additionally, the Pirates’ roster includes several corner position players vying for designated hitter (DH) time, a role Ozuna is expected to fill regularly.
Before Ozuna’s arrival, Spencer Horwitz and Ryan O’Hearn were slated to divide time at first base and DH duties, with O’Hearn also potentially appearing in left field. Horwitz ended the 2025 season on a hot streak, batting .314/.402/.539 in the season’s final two-plus months and securing an everyday role. O’Hearn offers outfield versatility but is considered a below-average defender there, while excelling defensively at first base. Bryan Reynolds already holds a firm spot in one of the outfield corners.
Adjustment of Defensive Roles and Playing Time Among Pirates’ Corner Players
Ozuna has not played in the field during the last two seasons and saw only 14 innings in 2023, pushing O’Hearn toward more consistent outfield assignments despite his defensive limitations. Horwitz has minor league experience in left field totaling 604 innings, but none at the major league level, apart from sporadic experiments at second base—a position now occupied by Brandon Lowe, acquired in a trade.
The likely infield and outfield alignment will feature O’Hearn in left field, Lowe at second base, Horwitz at first base, and Ozuna as the designated hitter. Although this configuration is suboptimal defensively, the Pirates prioritize bolstering their traditionally weak lineup with stronger bats. With additions like Ozuna, Lowe, and O’Hearn joining existing players such as Reynolds, Horwitz, and Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh could field a competitive top six in its batting order. This strength appears before accounting for Konnor Griffin, widely regarded as the game’s top overall prospect, who is anticipated to debut in 2026.
Effect on Andrew McCutchen’s Role and Payroll Impact
Ozuna’s signing likely signals the conclusion of Andrew McCutchen’s second tenure with the Pirates. McCutchen, who played 120 games as a designated hitter in 2025, might still serve as a right-handed bench bat with occasional corner outfield appearances. However, Ozuna’s presence displaces McCutchen from the everyday DH role, making it difficult for both to coexist on the roster. McCutchen recently met with Pirates owner Bob Nutting after expressing dissatisfaction with how offseason negotiations were handled.
This new contract elevates the Pirates’ payroll to approximately $102.25 million, setting a franchise record for Opening Day expenditure according to Ethan Hullihen. While still modest compared to league averages, the team has invested over $50 million in free agency and absorbed Lowe’s $11.5 million salary from the Tampa Bay Rays trade. Additional moves remain possible, with the Pirates actively seeking upgrades at third base despite a limited market. GM Ben Cherington may explore trades to strengthen the infield.
Ownership’s Willingness to Invest in Team Improvement
Although it remains uncertain how much further Pittsburgh’s payroll may climb, recent aggressive offers and acquisitions suggest that owner Bob Nutting is more open to spending than in previous years. The franchise extended a reported four-year offer worth $120-125 million to Kyle Schwarber, alongside other significant moves. While Jared Triolo provides excellent defense at third base, his offensive struggles could relegate him to a utility or bench role if new third base talent emerges through trades.
Details of Contract Reporting and Confirmation
Initial reports by Jon Heyman of The New York Post indicated the agreement between Ozuna and the Pirates on a $12 million deal. Following that, ESPN’s Jeff Passan clarified the contract components, specifying a $10.5 million salary with a $1.5 million buyout attached to a $16 million mutual option for 2027.
“Signing Ozuna, who hasn’t played in the field at all in either of the past two seasons (and only logged 14 innings in 2023), likely pushes O’Hearn into an everyday role in the outfield.” ?Ken Rosenthal, Baseball Analyst
“Adding Ozuna pushes the Pirates’ payroll to $102.25MM, per Ethan Hullihen, which will somewhat remarkably establish a new franchise-record for Opening Day payroll.” ?Ethan Hullihen, Baseball Writer
“McCutchen recently met with Pirates owner Bob Nutting, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported last week — a meeting that came on the heels of the franchise icon voicing some frustration with the manner in which the team had handled offseason talks.” ?Ken Rosenthal, Baseball Analyst
“The Bucs currently have a plus defender at the hot corner in Jared Triolo, but he’s a well below-average hitter who’s capable of fielding multiple spots around the infield, so he could fit nicely in a utility/bench role if GM Ben Cherington can find a third base acquisition to his liking on the trade market.” ?Unnamed Source
The addition of Marcell Ozuna to the Pirates roster represents a deliberate step toward strengthening the lineup amid ongoing roster adjustments. Although some defensive compromises are necessary, the potential for improved offense has the team positioned for a more competitive season. With key prospects on the horizon and ownership demonstrating increased willingness to invest, the Pirates appear poised for a phase of greater ambition in both player development and external acquisitions.
Okay, so adding in Urquidy, the estimate goes up $976,372, up to…
$102,258,660 https://t.co/OYUH5DC6Zs
— Ethan Hullihen (@EthanHullihen) February 9, 2026
Marcell Ozuna to the Pirates. $12M. Pending physical
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 9, 2026
Designated hitter Marcell Ozuna and the Pittsburgh Pirates are in agreement on a one-year, $12 million contract with a mutual option for 2027, sources tell ESPN. The deal will pay Ozuna $10.5M this year with a $16M option that has a $1.5M buyout. @JonHeyman was first on the news.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 9, 2026
