Braves’ Decision to Move On from Marcell Ozuna Looks Smart as Pirates Struggle

Atlanta, GA – May 2026 – While the Atlanta Braves continue to thrive in the early stages of the 2026 season, former Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna is struggling to find his footing with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ozuna’s rough start has reignited debate over Pittsburgh’s offseason decision to sign him over proven contributors and franchise icons such as Andrew McCutchen.

Ozuna’s Early Struggles in Pittsburgh

Despite a three-hit, three-RBI performance in a recent game, the numbers tell a grim story for Ozuna. His batting average has dipped below the Mendoza Line, and prior to his current four-game hitting streak, his OPS sat at just .466, roughly 300 points lower than his 2025 performance. The Pirates’ designated hitter position as a whole has struggled, ranking last in MLB with a 47 wRC+, underscoring the difficulty the team faces offensively .

A look at Ozuna’s career OPS highlights the steep decline in his production over the past four seasons:

• 2023 – .905
• 2024 – .925
• 2025 – .756
• 2026 – .553

For a player once considered an All-Star caliber slugger, the 2026 season represents a major setback. Even with a brief hot streak, Ozuna’s offensive output is far below expectations, leaving Pirates fans questioning the team’s decision to commit a $12 million contract to the veteran DH .

Off-Field Issues and Character Concerns

Ozuna’s decline is not limited to on-field performance. During his tenure with the Braves, he faced legal troubles, including arrests for domestic violence and a DUI, both of which resulted in only minor disciplinary action from MLB. While some hoped these incidents would serve as a turning point, his off-field history added another layer of concern for the Pirates when signing him.

Pittsburgh’s front office, led by Ben Cherington, reportedly considered other options, including bringing back franchise icon Andrew McCutchen or pursuing other established hitters. Ultimately, the team chose Ozuna, prioritizing his potential offensive upside over stability and character considerations. Early returns, however, suggest this gamble may not be paying off .

The Braves’ Strategic Move

Meanwhile, the Braves’ decision to part ways with Ozuna looks increasingly savvy. Rather than overpay for a declining player, General Manager Alex Anthopoulos opted to utilize a “DH by committee” approach, rotating Drake Baldwin, Dominic Smith, and Kyle Farmer through the role. Baldwin, in particular, has outproduced Ozuna through the first 10 games, while Smith and Farmer have provided additional depth.

The Braves also redirected Ozuna’s projected salary toward bolstering the bullpen and key lineup positions. Free-agent acquisitions and re-signings—including Robert Suarez, Mike Yastrzemski, Raisel Iglesias, and Ha-Seong Kim—have strengthened Atlanta’s pitching depth and overall roster flexibility. While some of these new pieces are still adjusting to their roles, the team benefits from a more balanced and sustainable approach than relying on a single underperforming DH.

Comparing Production: Ozuna vs Braves’ Committee

Statistical comparisons highlight just how steep the drop-off has been for Ozuna relative to Atlanta’s committee approach. While Ozuna’s OPS currently hovers around .553, Baldwin has produced at a significantly higher clip in limited at-bats. Smith and Farmer also offer more versatility and consistent contact, whereas Ozuna has struggled to contribute in multiple facets of the game.

Ozuna’s skill set—once characterized by above-average power and a solid hit tool—is in decline. Analysts note that he is no longer a “five-tool” player, and even his offensive strengths are eroding. For Pittsburgh, the DH’s historical value is overshadowed by the team’s overall offensive struggles, particularly in high-leverage situations where consistent production is essential .

Lessons for the Pirates

The Pirates’ early-season woes at the DH position reflect a broader challenge in roster construction. By passing on more reliable options like Kyle Schwarber and McCutchen, Pittsburgh gambled on Ozuna returning to peak form—a risk that has not yet paid off. The team’s lineup has struggled to generate consistent offensive momentum, and Ozuna’s inability to anchor production further exposes the limitations of their offseason strategy.

If Ozuna fails to regain his 2025 form, the Pirates risk wasting a significant portion of payroll on a player unlikely to deliver the expected value. His performance reinforces the notion that aging sluggers with declining contact and on-base skills may not provide the same return as younger or more versatile contributors.

Conclusion

Early-season results suggest that Atlanta’s decision to move on from Ozuna was prudent. By reallocating salary to strengthen the bullpen and diversify the DH role, the Braves have positioned themselves for a deeper, more resilient lineup. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s gamble on Ozuna underscores the risk of investing in a veteran past his prime, particularly when the team has limited depth and alternative options.

While there is still time for Ozuna to rebound, the Braves’ approach demonstrates the benefits of roster flexibility and strategic planning, highlighting how careful resource allocation can outweigh the allure of signing a once-prominent slugger. For now, the contrast between Ozuna’s struggles and the Braves’ depth reinforces the wisdom of Atlanta’s offseason moves.