The Pittsburgh Pirates have reportedly made a splash to further bolster their offense.
MLB insider Jon Heyman reported on Monday that the Pirates are reportedly set to sign three-time All-Star slugger Marcell Ozuna to a one-year, $12 million deal. The deal is pending a physical, according to Heyman.
Pittsburgh had been linked to Ozuna for quite some time, and now a deal has been agreed to, as he will be a key part of its offense in 2026. The deal also comes after the Pirates had been searching for more offensive help, as MLB insiders Will Sammon and Katie Woo reported on Feb. 4 that Pittsburgh was looking to bolster its lineup.
“The Pittsburgh Pirates remain open to another lineup addition, people familiar with the club’s thinking said,” the insiders wrote. “Among the players that interest them is designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, the No. 38-ranked player on The Athletic’s Free Agent Big Board.
“The Pirates’ lineup contains enough versatility to accommodate someone who profiles mostly as a DH, but things could get tricky. A potential addition of Ozuna could alter playing time for Jake Mangum and Spencer Horwitz, who are projected to play left field and first base, respectively.”
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Ozuna is a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner and a three-time MLB All-Star. The 35-year-old will play DH and some outfield for Pittsburgh and can be a middle-of-the-order bat for the Pirates.
With the Atlanta Braves last season, Ozuna hit .232 with 21 home runs and 68 RBIs. His career high is 40 home runs, which he accomplished in 2023, so the pop is still there.
Pittsburgh is set to open its 2026 MLB season on March 26 on the road against the New York Mets.
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