The Pittsburgh Pirates continued to beef up their lineup, reportedly signing Marcell Ozuna to a one-year deal on Monday.
Ozuna provides another big bopper to a lineup that ranked in runs scored during the 2025 season. Despite taking a noticeable step back from two dominant years, the slugger’s 21 home runs were still more than anybody hit for the Pirates.
The 35-year-old adds a stout power bat to the heart of Pittsburgh’s lineup. It also gives manager Don Kelly a right-handed hitter in a lefty-loaded top half of the order.
Here’s a look at how the Pirates’ revamped lineup could look with Ozuna, starting with a projected batting order against right-handed pitchers.
Spencer Horwitz, 1B
Bryan Reynolds, RF
Ryan O’Hearn, LF
Marcell Ozuna, DH
Brandon Lowe, 2B
Oneil Cruz, CF
Nick Gonzales, SS
Joey Bart, C
Jared Triolo, 3B
Two offseason outfield acquisitions are notably absent, as Ozuna’s arrival takes the designated hitter spot away from Ryan O’Hearn unless they form a platoon. Jake Mangum and Jhostynxon Garcia could instead open the season in separate timeshares and play against left-handed starters.
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Jared Triolo, 3B
Bryan Reynolds, RF
Ryan O’Hearn, 1B
Marcell Ozuna, DH
Brandon Lowe, 2B
Joey Bart, C
Jhostynxon Garcia, LF
Jake Mangum, CF
Nick Gonzales, SS
The Pirates should hope Oneil Cruz earns an everyday job and emerges as a franchise cornerstone. However, the toolsy center fielder posted an anemic .400 OPS against left-handed pitching last season.
Spencer Horwitz should keep playing against righties considering last season’s .813 OPS with the platoon advantage, but a .593 OPS versus southpaws likely limits him to a part-time role.
If the Pirates made another move, it’d likely be at third base. Konnor Griffin could win the starting shortstop job in spring or early in the 2026 campaign, and the rookie’s arrival could make their offense dangerous.
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