Pittsburgh Pirates Sign 35-Year-Old Designated Hitter to Bolster Lineup
The Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to sign designated hitter Marcell Ozuna to a one-year contract worth $12 million, pending a physical. The deal includes $10.5 million in 2026 salary and a $1.5 million buyout on a $16 million mutual option for the 2027 season, according to multiple reports.
Ozuna, 35, joins the Pirates after spending the past two seasons with the Atlanta Braves. In 2025, he batted .232/.355/.400 with 21 home runs, 68 RBIs, and a career-high 15.9% walk rate across 592 plate appearances. Despite the down statistical year, his 114 weighted runs created plus (WRC+) ranked as above-average offensively.
Move Addresses Offensive Needs
The signing marks a notable move by the Pirates to add veteran offensive production to their roster. Ozuna was an All-Star in 2024 before a hip injury impacted his performance throughout the 2025 season. The slugger did not appear in the field during the past two seasons, making him well-suited for Pittsburgh’s designated hitter role.
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ payroll now sits at approximately $105 million following the acquisition. General Manager Ben Cherington has been actively working to improve the team’s lineup as pitchers and catchers prepare to report for spring training this week.
Splitting Time in Outfield
While the Pirates add depth to their corner positions, Ozuna’s arrival could reshape the team’s offensive alignment. Spencer Horwitz and Ryan O’Hearn have been lined up to share time at first base and designated hitter, with Bryan Reynolds anchoring one outfield corner. Signing Ozuna may push O’Hearn into an everyday outfield role, though he has historically performed better at first base defensively.
Ozuna brings 22 seasons of major league experience to Pittsburgh, having also played for the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals during his career. His ability to draw walks at a high rate and maintain offensive production throughout extended slumps offers the Pirates a stabilizing presence in the middle of the order.
