Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – The Pittsburgh Pirates have finalized a one-year contract with veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna, reportedly worth $12 million. This deal includes a $10.5 million salary for 2026 along with a $1.5 million buyout on a $16 million mutual option for the following season. This marks a significant transaction for the franchise as they seek to enhance their offensive lineup.

Ozuna, who celebrated his 35th birthday in November, experienced a challenging 2025 season, posting a batting average of .232 with 21 home runs and a career-high walk rate of 15.9%. Despite these struggles, he finished the season showing signs of recovery, particularly during the last three months. His performance was often marred by a hip injury that limited his effectiveness throughout the year.

The Pirates are optimistic that Ozuna will bring a boost to their lineup, although the fit may not be ideal. PNC Park is known for being less favorable for right-handed power hitters. The team’s roster is already filled with corner bats who will need to adjust to share designated hitter duties with Ozuna. Notably, Spencer Horwitz and Ryan O’Hearn were previously expected to alternate at first base and DH, but Ozuna’s addition complicates that dynamic.

With Ozuna’s capabilities as a designated hitter, O’Hearn may find himself taking on a more substantial role in the outfield, despite being a less-than-ideal defender there. The structure of the lineup will likely see O’Hearn in left field, with Brandon Lowe at second base and Horwitz at first, creating a less-than-ideal defensive setup in exchange for improved offensive potential. However, this blend of talent may yield a formidable top of the order, joined by holdovers like Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz.

The signing of Ozuna seems to signal the end of Andrew McCutchen’s second stint with Pittsburgh. While he could potentially serve as a right-handed bench option, the acquisition of Ozuna pushes him out of the designated hitter role that he occupied for the majority of the 2025 season. The situation has created tension, as McCutchen has expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s handling of offseason discussions.

Financially, the addition of Ozuna elevates the Pirates’ payroll to a projected $105 million for Opening Day, a franchise record. Although still modest in comparison to other major league teams, this marks a notable willingness from ownership to invest in improving the roster, moving beyond $50 million spent in free agency. The Pirates had previously engaged in trade discussions and targeted third-base improvements, signaling that their pursuits in the market are far from over.

While ownership hasn’t specified how much more they are willing to increase spending, their prior plans to offer a significant contract to Kyle Schwarber indicate a shift in financial strategy. As the Pirates push forward, they aim to strike a balance between solid defense and one of the league’s weakest offensive lineups. With the potential addition of fresh talent, they aspire to create a more competitive team for the upcoming season.