The Pittsburgh Pirates completed a significant move early this week by agreeing to a one-year, $12 million contract with seasoned slugger Marcell Ozuna on Monday. The agreement, pending a physical examination, aims to add much-needed power to the Pirates’ batting order as the team looks to strengthen its lineup for the upcoming season.
Ozuna’s 21 home runs last year would have been the highest total on Pittsburgh’s roster, even though it was considered a down year in his career. At 35 years old, the veteran’s power presence on the field is expected to make an immediate impact for the Pirates.
Don Kelly Looks Forward to Reuniting with Ozuna
Joining a new team often presents challenges, but Ozuna has the advantage of reuniting with a former teammate, Don Kelly, who became the Pirates’ manager last year after taking over from Derek Shelton. Kelly and Ozuna were teammates during their time with the Miami Marlins in 2015 and 2016, establishing a strong rapport that can benefit the Pirates this season.
Kelly expressed enthusiasm about adding Ozuna to the roster.
“If everything goes well, excited to add Ozuna’s bat to the lineup,”
Kelly stated during a recent video conference with reporters.
“When you talk about the seasons that he’s had, last year being quote unquote ‘down year,’ still 21 home runs and a bunch of RBIs and a big power bat that we can put in the middle of our order.”
Ozuna’s Influence Expected to Extend Beyond the Field
Beyond his contributions at the plate, Kelly highlighted the positive influence Ozuna is expected to have in the clubhouse. Drawing from past experiences and reports from the Atlanta Braves organization, Kelly believes Ozuna’s presence will help raise the performance of his teammates.
“He’s a teammate. And the first-hand experience that I had with him in Miami and the feedback that we’ve gotten from everybody in Atlanta is that he helps everybody be better,”
Kelly said.
“Excited what that is going to mean in regards to Oneil (Cruz), too, to have Marcell be in the clubhouse, to be able to help him. I think Marcell is going to help a lot of guys.”
Leadership Void and Team Development Ahead
With longtime Pirates leader Andrew McCutchen still without a contract, Ozuna’s arrival presents a timely opportunity to fill that leadership gap. The Pirates are hopeful that Ozuna’s experience and mentorship will be instrumental for the team’s young stars as they aim for progress this season.
The addition of Marcell Ozuna signals the Pirates’ intent to build a more competitive roster while fostering strong clubhouse chemistry. Fans and management alike will be watching closely to see how Ozuna’s power hitting and leadership translate into team success in the months ahead.
For Pirates Roundtable: Don Kelly is ecstatic about adding Marcell Ozuna.https://t.co/LX52cJmfpJ
— John Perrotto (@JPerrotto) February 11, 2026
