PITTSBURGH.– The Pittsburgh Pirates bolstered the heart of their lineup by reaching an agreement for one year and 12 million dollars with Dominican slugger Marcell Ozuna, according to a source to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com this Monday.
You may be interested in:Yasiel Puig is found guilty of obstruction and lying to federal authorities
The club has not yet officially confirmed the agreement, which would be subject to a physical examination. The contract would include a mutual option of $16 million for the 2027 season, in addition to a $1.5 million release clause, according to the report. Ozuna becomes one of the main offensive additions for the Pirates heading into the 2026 season, being the third key reinforcement of the lineup during the offseason. Previously, Pittsburgh acquired infielder Brandon Lowe in a trade with the Rays and signed first baseman Ryan O’Hearn as a free agent. The organization has also been active in strengthening its pitching staff, with the additions of Dominican Gregory Soto and Mason Montgomery for the bullpen, as well as Mexican starter José Urquidy for the rotation. On the offensive side, Ozuna is projected as the starting designated hitter, a role he could occasionally share with O’Hearn, who also has experience in the outfield corners, as well as first base. At 35 years old, Ozuna has been called to the All-Star Game three times, most recently in 2024 with the Atlanta Braves, and has two Silver Slugger Awards. Although his production slightly decreased in the past season, he hit 21 home runs, marking his fourth consecutive season with at least 20 home runs. With the additions of Ozuna (21 HR in 2025), Lowe (31) and O’Hearn (17), the Pirates have added significant offensive power, a priority for a franchise that in 2025 finished last in Major League Baseball in home runs (117), slugging (.350) and OPS (.655). This new offensive core joins established figures like the Dominican Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds and Spencer Horwitz, adding more depth to a lineup that could also soon welcome the number one baseball prospect, Konnor Griffin. While 2025 was not one of Ozuna’s best campaigns, the Dominican hitter was one of the most productive sluggers in the National League in 2023 and 2024. In 2023 he hit 40 home runs, drove in 100 runs and recorded an OPS of .905, while in 2024 he hit 39 home runs, drove in 104 runs and finished fourth in the MVP voting, with an OPS of .925. In the past season, Ozuna batted .232, with 21 home runs, 68 RBIs, and an OPS of .756. Part of the decline was attributed to right hip discomfort during the first half of the year. Even so, he finished with an OPS+ of 113, backed by an outstanding walk rate of 15.9% and an on-base percentage of .355. In the last three seasons, Ozuna has averaged 33 home runs and more than 90 RBIs, remaining a batter above average in Major League Baseball. Because he received a qualifying offer after the 2019 season, Ozuna was not eligible to receive another in 2025, so the Pirates will not have to forfeit a Draft pick as compensation for his signing. Ozuna has been a three-time All-Star and has batted .269 in 13 seasons with Miami, St. Louis, and Atlanta. The Dominican has batted above .300 on three occasions, most recently in 2024. One of the few places where Ozuna has had difficulties is PNC Park, his possible new home. Ozuna has a career batting average of .225, with only one home run in 36 games in a stadium that has historically been difficult for right-handed hitters. The Pirates are confident that Ozuna will be able to balance a dominant lineup of left-handers. Lowe, O’Hearn and outfielder Oneil Cruz are left-handed. Outfielder Bryan Reynolds is ambidextrous. The Pirates begin spring training when pitchers and catchers report to their complex in Bradenton, Florida, later this week.
