The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a decisive move to bolster their lineup, officially signing veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna to a one-year, $12 million contract with a mutual option for 2027. The agreement, reached on February 9, 2026, is pending a physical, but the news has already sent ripples through the baseball community and energized Pirates fans ahead of spring training.

Ozuna, a three-time All-Star, arrives in Pittsburgh following a six-year stint with the Atlanta Braves. Now entering his age-35 season, Ozuna brings a wealth of experience and a powerful bat to a young Pirates squad eager to make noise in the National League Central. His addition is the latest in a series of offseason moves by the Pirates, who have already welcomed Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, Jake Mangum, and Jhostynxon García to their roster.

So, what exactly does Marcell Ozuna bring to the table for Pittsburgh? At this point in his career, Ozuna is a pure designated hitter. Gone are the days when he patrolled the outfield with Gold Glove-caliber defense—he hasn’t played the field since the start of the 2023 season. But his bat? That’s still a weapon. In 2025, Ozuna slashed .232/.355/.400 with 21 home runs and 68 RBIs over 145 games. Sure, those numbers represent a step back from his All-Star 2024 campaign (.302/.378/.546 with 39 home runs and 104 RBIs), but the pop in his bat remains undeniable.

Ozuna’s career has been marked by remarkable consistency and occasional bursts of brilliance. He owns a lifetime batting line of .269/.336/.469, with 296 home runs—just four shy of the 300 milestone—and 948 RBIs. His 119 OPS+ underscores his ability to produce at an above-average rate, and his 2024 season saw him finish fourth in the National League MVP voting. He’s also a two-time Silver Slugger and won a Gold Glove in 2017, though his days as a defensive asset are in the rearview mirror.

Pirates president Bob Nutting and general manager Ben Cherington have been under pressure to improve the team’s offensive firepower, and Ozuna’s signing is a clear response. The Pirates’ payroll now stands at a franchise-record $105 million, a significant increase from previous years and a sign of renewed ambition. Over $50 million has been spent this free agency alone, signaling to fans that ownership is intent on fielding a competitive team.

However, the fit isn’t without questions. With Ozuna locked in at DH, the Pirates will need to juggle their lineup to find the best defensive alignment. Ryan O’Hearn and Spencer Horwitz, both left-handed hitters, were projected to share time at first base and DH. Now, one will likely shift to first base while the other logs more time in the outfield, alongside Bryan Reynolds. Jake Mangum’s playing time could also be impacted, as insiders from The Athletic noted, “A potential addition of Ozuna could alter playing time for Jake Mangum and Spencer Horwitz, who are projected to play left field and first base, respectively.”

Another major storyline is the impact on Andrew McCutchen, the 2013 NL MVP and franchise icon. McCutchen, who spent most of 2025 as the Pirates’ primary DH, has publicly expressed his desire to return for another season. Yet, Ozuna’s arrival all but closes the door on a McCutchen reunion—at least in a playing capacity. McCutchen recently posted a cryptic video on social media, featuring highlights from his Pirates career and offseason workouts, leaving fans to wonder if they’ve seen the last of him in black and gold. As Delilah Bourque of On SI observed, “With Ozuna, who is four years younger than McCutchen, signing on with the Bucs, McCutchen’s place on the team becomes less clear.”

Ozuna’s contract structure reflects both his value and the Pirates’ cautious optimism. He’ll earn $10.5 million in 2026, with a $16 million mutual option for 2027 that includes a $1.5 million buyout. It’s a short-term commitment with the potential for more if Ozuna bounces back to his 2024 form. As ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported, “The deal will pay Ozuna $10.5M this year with a $16M option that has a $1.5M buyout.”

Of course, Ozuna’s off-field history can’t be ignored. In 2021, he was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and battery after an incident involving his wife. He also faced a DUI arrest in 2022. While the Pirates have not commented publicly on these matters, the organization will need to navigate potential public relations challenges as Ozuna joins the team. For now, the focus remains on his on-field contributions, but the off-field narrative is sure to linger.

From a baseball perspective, the Pirates are banking on Ozuna’s ability to provide right-handed power in a lineup that leans left. With Brandon Lowe, O’Hearn, Reynolds (a switch-hitter), Oneil Cruz, and Horwitz all in the mix, Ozuna’s presence should help balance the order and give manager Derek Shelton more options against opposing pitchers. As Pittsburgh Baseball Now noted, “Ozuna will provide a right-handed bat to complement the Pirates’ mostly left-handed lineup.”

There’s also the matter of PNC Park’s reputation as a pitcher-friendly venue, particularly for right-handed power hitters. Ozuna’s home run output could take a hit, but his elite plate discipline—he ranked in the 98th percentile for walk rate and 85th for chase rate in 2025, according to Baseball Savant—suggests he’ll still find ways to get on base and drive in runs. Even with diminished bat-to-ball skills, Ozuna’s power and patience make him a threat in the heart of the order.

The Pirates’ offense struggled at times in 2025, and the front office’s pursuit of Ozuna was no secret. As MLB insiders Will Sammon and Katie Woo reported, “The Pittsburgh Pirates remain open to another lineup addition, people familiar with the club’s thinking said. Among the players that interest them is designated hitter Marcell Ozuna.” Now, with the deal all but official, the Pirates hope they’ve found the missing piece to jumpstart their attack.

Looking ahead, Pittsburgh opens its 2026 MLB season on March 26 on the road against the New York Mets. With a retooled lineup and a pitching staff brimming with upside and variance, the Pirates are poised to make things interesting in the NL Central. If top prospect Konnor Griffin makes an impact and Ozuna rediscovers his All-Star form, could the Bucs be a sleeper contender?

For now, Pirates fans can savor the arrival of one of baseball’s most accomplished sluggers. Whether Ozuna’s power surge continues in Pittsburgh or his best years are behind him, one thing’s certain: the Pirates are swinging for more than just the fences in 2026.