The Pittsburgh Pirates made a notable move on Monday, February 9, by signing Marcell Ozuna to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2027. This acquisition aims to enhance the team’s offensive firepower as they prepare for the upcoming season, marking a significant step in the Pirates’ efforts to build around their promising young core. Ozuna’s deal includes a $10.5 million salary for 2026 and a potential $16 million option for 2027, with a $1.5 million buyout, according to reports by Jon Heyman and Jeff Passan.
Marcell Ozuna’s Role as an Offensive Catalyst
Ozuna comes into the 2025 season off another solid year at the plate, where he delivered 21 home runs and posted a slash line of .232/.355/.400, earning a 114 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) and 1.2 wins above replacement (fWAR). He has maintained consistent power, hitting at least 20 home runs every season since 2021, including a peak performance of 40 homers during that span.
The Pirates struggled offensively throughout the 2025 campaign, particularly in power hitting, managing a league-worst total of only 117 home runs and featuring a single player who cleared the 20-homer mark. With offseason additions like Ryan O’Hearn, Brandon Lowe, and now Marcell Ozuna, the club aims to directly address these deficiencies.
Ozuna, O’Hearn, and Lowe combined for 69 home runs last year, and integrating their production into the Pirates’ lineup would propel the team’s total power numbers to a level tied for 15th in Major League Baseball, matching the Boston Red Sox. This increase in power hitting is expected to make a considerable difference, especially in key moments of close games.
Specifically focusing on Ozuna’s contributions, he is well suited to fill the designated hitter role and provide lineup stability. His 114 wRC+ last season would have been second only to Spencer Horwitz’s 119 among the Pirates’ hitters, making him one of only two players in Pittsburgh to surpass a 110 mark. At 34 years old, Ozuna still demonstrates strong underlying metrics, including a walk rate near 16%, ranking him among the best in the league, and an impressive chase rate of 22.3%, indicating excellent plate discipline.
Ozuna’s approach reveals a particular strength against fastballs, where he slugged .474 and posted an expected weighted On-Base Average (xwOBA) just under .400 in 2025, showing his ability to punish heaters consistently. While he faces challenges with breaking and offspeed pitches, this skill set makes him a valuable offensive asset for the Pirates.
Despite some declines compared to his 2024 season, such as reductions in maximum and average exit velocity as well as decreases in hard-hit and barrel rates, these numbers still offer cautious optimism for his performance in 2026. Overall, the signing represents a clear upgrade designed to bolster the Pirates’ offense and help fill one of their most pressing roster needs.
The Future of Andrew McCutchen Amidst New Additions
With Ozuna’s arrival, questions inevitably arise concerning Andrew McCutchen’s role with the organization. McCutchen’s return to Pittsburgh has been a bright spot during the club’s difficult seasons, providing leadership and a reminder of the team’s competitive potential. However, Ozuna’s signing appears to mark an end to McCutchen’s second tenure as a regular designated hitter for the Pirates.
Since coming back to Pittsburgh, McCutchen primarily served as the team’s DH, and with Ozuna occupying that role—while no longer playing defensively since 2023—it is unlikely that McCutchen will find a starting position available in the field.
That said, there may still be space for McCutchen on the roster as a bench player. Projections point to Jake Mangum, Henry Davis, Jhostynxon Garcia, and Nick Yorke forming much of the bench depth, but it remains uncertain if this group alone will provide enough quality reserve options.
The bigger question is not McCutchen’s ability, as he posted a respectable 95 wRC+ last season, but whether Pittsburgh’s offense demands regular at-bats for a 39-year-old veteran without significant power. Although McCutchen exhibits strong plate discipline metrics like Ozuna and can still drive balls with occasional authority, his lack of home run power as a DH limits his role on a team pushing for a more potent offense.
The relationship between McCutchen and the Pirates became strained over the winter, with the veteran expressing dissatisfaction publicly and privately to the front office. While McCutchen undoubtedly deserves an opportunity to contribute, Pittsburgh’s decision to upgrade offensively following a disappointing 2025 was justified. Ideally, McCutchen might accept a bench role and enjoy a final season in Pittsburgh colors before retirement.
“McCutchen certainly deserves one last ride, but the Pirates weren’t in the wrong for understanding that they needed to upgrade offensively.” ?Analyst commentary
Evaluating Pittsburgh’s Remaining Offseason Moves
Beyond roster questions surrounding McCutchen, Pittsburgh’s activity in the trade and free-agent markets continues to generate speculation about whether they have concluded their offseason spending. Initially, the team aimed to raise its payroll to approximately $110 million, and following the Ozuna signing, they currently stand close to $101 million.
This leaves nearly $9 million available for further acquisitions. Sources indicate that the Pirates have been actively monitoring the third base market throughout the winter, creating possibilities for additional roster improvements.
One prominent trade candidate tied to the Pirates is Isaac Paredes from the Houston Astros. Paredes, projected to earn $9.35 million in 2026, fits within Pittsburgh’s payroll target if they decide to pursue him. Despite concerns about how his pull-heavy hitting profile would fare at PNC Park, Paredes offers a high contact rate of 83.5%, ranking him among the top hitters in the league last season.
Another intriguing option is Mark Vientos, who has been linked to the Pirates as well. Though coming off a down year, Vientos remains under team control through 2029 and delivered a 27-home run season just one year ago. With the New York Mets loading their offense, Vientos appears poised to be a trade candidate and fits well within the Pirates’ financial plans.
With remaining payroll flexibility and these trade options available, Pittsburgh’s front office seems prepared to strengthen the roster further before Opening Day. Whether the club opts for a proven power bat like Paredes or a high-upside player such as Vientos, the team has set the stage for a possible final push to address remaining needs.
“With the Pirates’ remaining financial flexibility and some options available on the trade market, it’s clear that their front office has opportunities to further bolster the roster before Opening Day.” ?Industry source
What Lies Ahead for the Pirates’ Offense
The Marcell Ozuna Pirates deal signals a substantial upgrade for Pittsburgh’s offense as the team seeks to overcome last season’s power struggles. Ozuna’s addition, combined with acquisitions like Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe, positions the Pirates to improve their lineup significantly, potentially enhancing their competitive chances in the 2026 season.
While the signing appears to close the chapter on Andrew McCutchen’s role as a primary designated hitter, it highlights the team’s commitment to bolstering offensive production. Furthermore, with approximately $9 million in payroll space and promising trade targets under consideration, the Pirates may yet make additional moves to complete their roster before Opening Day.
The upcoming season will be crucial in assessing whether these changes translate into meaningful progress for Pittsburgh, particularly as the organization works to take advantage of its talented young core and turn excitement into sustained success.
