Marcell Ozuna agrees to terms with the Pirates

Sébastien Berrouard
Marcell Ozuna agrees to terms with the Pirates
Credit: CBS Sports

The offseason is coming to an end as pitchers and catchers report to their respective teams this week, but that doesn't stop Major League Baseball teams from continuing to improve their rosters.

That's the case with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, have signed former Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna to a one-year, $12 million contract with a mutual option for 2027. The contract will pay Ozuna $10.5 million this year, with a $16 million option and a $1.5 million buyout clause.

Last year, the star hitter posted a .232 batting average and a .755 OPS, in addition to hitting 21 home runs. His offensive contribution therefore represents an immediate improvement for the Pirates' lineup.

However, his leadership and impact on this young team will need to be monitored. In 2021, Ozuna was arrested and charged with aggravated assault after witnesses claimed he physically assaulted his wife, Genesis Guzman. He was also arrested in 2022 for drunk driving.

This acquisition by the Steel City's representatives most likely spells the end of the Andrew McCutchen era in Pittsburgh. The 39-year-old had clearly indicated his desire to return to the team in 2026, but no agreement was reached.

McCutchen made his MLB debut in Pittsburgh in 2009 and played for the Pirates until 2017, before being traded to the San Francisco Giants. He then played for various teams until 2023, when he returned home until 2025.

The Pirates could still make him a new offer, but they may also decide that Ozuna, who is four years younger, will be able to fill the void left by his departure.

We'll see if the Pirates, who have improved this winter, add another piece before the start of the regular season.

This content was created with the help of AI.

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