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Atlanta, GA \u2013 May 2026<\/strong> \u2013 While the Atlanta Braves<\/strong> continue to thrive in the early stages of the 2026 season, former Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna<\/strong> is struggling to find his footing with the Pittsburgh Pirates<\/strong>. Ozuna\u2019s rough start has reignited debate over Pittsburgh\u2019s offseason decision to sign him over proven contributors and franchise icons such as Andrew McCutchen<\/strong>.<\/p>\n 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<\/strong>, his OPS sat at just .466<\/strong>, roughly 300 points lower than his 2025 performance. The Pirates\u2019 designated hitter position as a whole has struggled, ranking last in MLB with a 47 wRC+<\/strong>, underscoring the difficulty the team faces offensively .<\/p>\n A look at Ozuna\u2019s career OPS highlights the steep decline in his production over the past four seasons:<\/p>\n For a player once considered an All-Star caliber slugger, the 2026 season represents a major setback. Even with a brief hot streak, Ozuna\u2019s offensive output is far below expectations, leaving Pirates fans questioning the team\u2019s decision to commit a $12 million contract<\/strong> to the veteran DH .<\/p>\n Ozuna\u2019s 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<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n Pittsburgh\u2019s front office, led by Ben Cherington<\/strong>, reportedly considered other options, including bringing back franchise icon Andrew McCutchen<\/strong> 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 .<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Braves\u2019 decision to part ways with Ozuna looks increasingly savvy. Rather than overpay for a declining player, General Manager Alex Anthopoulos<\/strong> opted to utilize a \u201cDH by committee\u201d<\/strong> approach, rotating Drake Baldwin, Dominic Smith, and Kyle Farmer<\/strong> through the role. Baldwin, in particular, has outproduced Ozuna through the first 10 games, while Smith and Farmer have provided additional depth.<\/p>\n The Braves also redirected Ozuna\u2019s projected salary toward bolstering the bullpen and key lineup positions. Free-agent acquisitions and re-signings\u2014including Robert Suarez, Mike Yastrzemski, Raisel Iglesias, and Ha-Seong Kim<\/strong>\u2014have strengthened Atlanta\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Statistical comparisons highlight just how steep the drop-off has been for Ozuna relative to Atlanta\u2019s committee approach. While Ozuna\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Ozuna\u2019s skill set\u2014once characterized by above-average power and a solid hit tool\u2014is in decline. Analysts note that he is no longer a \u201cfive-tool\u201d player, and even his offensive strengths are eroding. For Pittsburgh, the DH\u2019s historical value is overshadowed by the team\u2019s overall offensive struggles, particularly in high-leverage situations where consistent production is essential .<\/p>\n The Pirates\u2019 early-season woes at the DH position reflect a broader challenge in roster construction. By passing on more reliable options like Kyle Schwarber<\/strong> and McCutchen<\/strong>, Pittsburgh gambled on Ozuna returning to peak form\u2014a risk that has not yet paid off. The team\u2019s lineup has struggled to generate consistent offensive momentum, and Ozuna\u2019s inability to anchor production further exposes the limitations of their offseason strategy.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Early-season results suggest that Atlanta\u2019s 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\u2019s gamble on Ozuna underscores the risk of investing in a veteran past his prime, particularly when the team has limited depth and alternative options.<\/p>\n While there is still time for Ozuna to rebound, the Braves\u2019 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\u2019s struggles and the Braves\u2019 depth reinforces the wisdom of Atlanta\u2019s offseason moves.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Braves\u2019 Decision to Move On from Marcell Ozuna Looks Smart as Pirates Struggle Atlanta, GA \u2013 May 2026 \u2013 While the Atlanta Braves continue to thrive in… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":183728,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-183712","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\nOzuna\u2019s Early Struggles in Pittsburgh<\/h3>\n
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Off-Field Issues and Character Concerns<\/h3>\n
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The Braves\u2019 Strategic Move<\/h3>\n
Comparing Production: Ozuna vs Braves\u2019 Committee<\/h3>\n
Lessons for the Pirates<\/h3>\n
Conclusion<\/h3>\n
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