Pirates Sign Marcell Ozuna to One-Year Deal: What It Means for Pittsburgh’s 2026 Season

In a move that signals the Pittsburgh Pirates are still looking to bolster their roster ahead of the 2026 season, the team has signed veteran designated hitter and left fielder Marcell Ozuna to a one-year, $12 million contract. The deal, which includes $10.5 million for 2026 and a $16 million option for 2027 with a $1.5 million buyout, was confirmed by ESPN this morning.

Ozuna, 35, comes to Pittsburgh after spending the past few seasons with the Atlanta Braves, where he had a solid 2025 campaign, hitting .232 with 21 home runs and 68 RBIs. His power has been a consistent presence in the Braves lineup, hitting 100 total home runs over the past three seasons. In fact, Ozuna has 296 career home runs to his name, and despite being in the later stages of his career, he remains a formidable presence at the plate.

Ozuna’s Addition: A Key Piece to the Pirates’ Offense

The Pirates have been active this offseason, bringing in hitters like Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe to help improve their offensive production. Ozuna, who is expected to fill a key role as a power hitter, complements Pittsburgh’s top-tier pitching staff. With star pitcher Paul Skenes anchoring the rotation, the Pirates are aiming to balance their lineup and create more run-scoring opportunities for their young and promising pitchers.

Ozuna’s career numbers are impressive. With a .269 lifetime batting average and nearly 300 home runs, the 35-year-old is a proven slugger. His consistency at the plate, combined with his power, makes him a valuable addition to the Pirates’ roster, which has struggled offensively in recent seasons.

Ozuna’s Health and Consistency

One of the benefits of adding Ozuna to the team is his durability. Over the past three seasons, he has played in 145, 162, and 144 games, respectively. For a player of his age, maintaining such consistency in games played is notable, especially given his heavy usage as both a designated hitter and an outfielder.

Despite his relatively healthy track record, Ozuna has had some challenges when playing in Pittsburgh. In his 36 games at PNC Park, he’s hit only .225 with just one home run. Whether this trend will continue or if he can break through and improve on his numbers in Pittsburgh remains to be seen, but it’s something to watch for as the season unfolds.

Ozuna’s Career Journey

Before joining the Braves, Ozuna spent time with both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins. His 2017 season with the Marlins stands out as one of the best of his career, as he hit .312 with 37 home runs and 124 RBIs. That performance earned him an All-Star selection and solidified his reputation as one of the premier power hitters in the league.

Since then, Ozuna’s production has fluctuated, but he’s remained a reliable bat in the middle of a lineup. His experience in both the National League and with multiple teams brings a wealth of knowledge to the Pirates’ clubhouse, and his leadership could be a valuable asset to Pittsburgh’s younger players.

Is Ozuna Enough to Push the Pirates to Contend?

With the signing of Ozuna, the Pirates have further solidified their offense, but the question remains: is this move enough to push the team into contention in a tough NL Central? Many have pegged the Pirates as a team that could hover around .500 in 2026, and the addition of Ozuna certainly makes them more dangerous at the plate.

The Pirates will need more than just Ozuna’s bat to compete with the likes of the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs, who have also made significant moves to strengthen their rosters. However, with a strong pitching staff led by Skenes, the Pirates have the foundation to make a push for the postseason if their offense can generate more consistent run support.

Conclusion: A Smart Signing for Pittsburgh’s Future

While the signing of Marcell Ozuna may not be a blockbuster move, it certainly has the potential to improve the Pirates’ chances in 2026. By adding a proven power hitter to the lineup, Pittsburgh now has more offensive depth to complement their strong pitching staff. Ozuna’s durability, power, and experience could help the Pirates compete at a higher level this season.

As pitchers and catchers report to spring training later this week, the Pirates’ roster seems to be coming together with a mix of veteran presence and young talent. Whether this signing will be enough to propel the Pirates into serious postseason contention remains to be seen, but it certainly gives them a better chance to be more competitive in a division that promises to be wide open in 2026.

What are your thoughts on the Ozuna signing? Do you think it gives the Pirates enough offensive firepower to contend, or is there more work to be done? Let us know in the comments!