Pirates sign designated hitter Marcell Ozuna

Marcell Ozuna (YouTube)

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed designated hitter Marcell Ozuna to a one year deal worth $12 million according to the Associated Press. Ozuna is one of three significant bats who have joined the Pirates lineup this season. He is joined by first baseman Ryan O’Hearn of Dunedin, Florida and second baseman Brandon Lowe of Newport News, Virginia.

It should be noted that Ozuna can play the outfield, but he has been exclusively a designated hitter the last two seasons with the Atlanta Braves. At 35 years old, expect the native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to only be used in a defensive position role if absolutely necessary.

A three-time All-Star, Ozuna is joining his fourth Major League Baseball franchise. He was previously with the Miami Marlins from 2013 to 2017 (was a National League All-Star in 2016 and 2017), with the St. Louis Cardinals for two seasons in 2018 and 2019, and twith the Braves for the last six seasons, where he was a National League All-Star again in 2024.

Ozuna’s most significant season with the Braves came in the abbreviated 20210 season due to Coronavirus. He led the National League with 18 home runs, 56 runs batted in, and 145 total bases.

This past season in Atlanta, Ozuna batted .232 with 21 home runs and 68 runs batted in. During 145 games, 487 at bats and 592 plate appearances, he scored 61 runs and had 113 hits, 19 doubles, 94 walks, 195 total bases, and seven sacrifice flies, with an on base percentage of .355 and a slugging percentage of .400.

The Pirates have finished last in the National League Central the last two seasons despite having one of baseball’s best pitchers. Paul Skenes was the National League Rookie of the Year in 2024 and won the National League Cy Young Award in 2025.