Reports: Slugger Marcell Ozuna joins Pirates on 1-year deal

Field Level Media|published: Mon 9th February, 10:12 2026

Sep 28, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna (20) smiles in the dugout during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Slugger Marcell Ozuna agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, multiple media outlets reported Monday.

The deal, pending the results of a physical, will pay the outfielder/designated hitter $10.5 million in 2026 with a $16 million mutual option for 2027 and a $1.5 million buyout.

Ozuna, 35 would be a welcome addition for the Pirates, who finished with a majors-worst 117 homers last season. By comparison, the St. Louis Cardinals belted 148 homers -- which ranked 29th out of the 30 MLB teams.

Ozuna batted .232 with 21 homers and 68 RBIs in 145 games last season with the Atlanta Braves. Those numbers took a significant dip after the three-time All-Star hit .302 with 39 homers and 104 RBIs in 162 games in 2024.

A two-time Silver Slugger and a former Gold Glove winner, Ozuna is a career .269 hitter with 296 homers, 948 RBIs and 1,627 hits in 1,614 games with the Miami Marlins (2013-17), Cardinals (2018-19) and Braves (2020-25).

--Field Level Media

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