The Pittsburgh Pirates have finally secured the middle-of-the-order power bat they’ve been hunting for all winter. In a move aimed at revitalizing one of baseball's quietest lineups, the Pirates reached an agreement Monday with veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna on a one-year, $12 million contract for the 2026 season. The deal, first reported by the New York Post and confirmed by local sources, signals a clear intent from Pittsburgh’s front office to compete in the National League Central this year.
Betting on a Bounce-Back: The Contract Details
After weeks of speculation linking the Pirates to various power hitters, General Manager Ben Cherington pulled the trigger on the 35-year-old designated hitter. The financial structure of the deal guarantees Ozuna $12 million, reportedly broken down as a $10.5 million salary for the 2026 campaign coupled with a $1.5 million buyout on a $16 million mutual option for 2027. The agreement is currently pending a physical, which is standard procedure for all Major League signings.
For a franchise often criticized for spending hesitancy, this move pushes the Pirates' payroll closer to the $100 million mark—territory they haven't explored significantly since the mid-2010s. It represents a calculated gamble on a player who, despite a regression in 2025, remains one of the more feared right-handed bats in the league when dialed in.
Addressing the Power Void
To say the Pirates needed power would be an understatement. The team finished the 2025 season with a league-worst 117 home runs, a statistic that made sustained winning streaks nearly impossible. The front office spent much of the early offseason pursuing other options, reportedly checking in on Kyle Schwarber and Eugenio Suárez, but saw those targets sign elsewhere.
By pivoting to Ozuna, Pittsburgh acquires a hitter with a proven track record of changing scoreboard math with one swing. Even in a "down" 2025 season with the Atlanta Braves, Ozuna managed to launch 21 home runs and drive in 68 runs over 145 games. While his OPS dipped to .756 from a stellar .925 the year prior, his underlying metrics suggest he still possesses the bat speed and hard-hit rate necessary to punish mistakes at PNC Park.
A Veteran Presence for a Young Core
Ozuna’s arrival creates a more formidable heart of the order, likely slotting him between franchise cornerstone Bryan Reynolds and freakishly talented shortstop Oneil Cruz. His presence should offer better pitch protection for the younger hitters, forcing opposing pitchers to attack the zone rather than pitching around Pittsburgh's few threats. He brings extensive postseason experience to a clubhouse that is eager to taste October baseball, having been a key contributor during Atlanta’s run of dominance in the NL East.
The Roster Ripple Effect
Adding a primary designated hitter does raise questions about the roster's flexibility. Ozuna has played exclusively as a DH in recent years due to defensive limitations, which creates a logjam for other players vying for at-bats. The signing notably casts a shadow over the future of franchise icon Andrew McCutchen. With the DH spot now occupied by Ozuna, the path for a reunion with the 39-year-old McCutchen becomes significantly narrower, potentially signaling the end of his second stint in black and gold.
However, the Pirates have been busy reshaping the supporting cast as well. The earlier additions of Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn give manager Derek Shelton a lineup that suddenly looks much deeper than the 2025 iteration. Lowe provides pop from the second base position, while O'Hearn offers a left-handed complement who can spell players at first base or the outfield corners.
Outlook for the 2026 Season
The National League Central remains one of the most winnable divisions in baseball, and the Pirates clearly believe their window is opening. With a rotation anchored by ace Paul Skenes and veteran Mitch Keller, the team's pitching has been playoff-caliber. The missing piece was an offense that could provide just enough run support to turn quality starts into wins.
If Marcell Ozuna can recapture even 80% of his 2024 form—where he smashed 39 homers and finished fourth in MVP voting—this $12 million investment could be the steal of the offseason. If he struggles, it’s a one-year commitment that won’t hamper the team long-term. For a fanbase starving for a winner, the message is finally clear: the Pirates are trying to score runs, and they aren't afraid to pay for the privilege.
