The Pittsburgh Pirates are going to release designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, per reports.
Ozuna had been one of the franchise’s marquee free-agent signings, but his play had not panned out over the course of the season.
The veteran signed a one-year deal for $12 million with a mutual option for 2027. Ozuna has played in 70 games this year and is slashing just .203/.286/.327 with 8 home runs and 29 RBI.
The 35-year-old slugger had gone through a decline in 2025, hitting just 21 home runs for the Atlanta Braves in 145 games, which led to the team not re-signing him. Pittsburgh took a boom-or-bust chance, hoping to add some pop to its lineup, but it ended up being a bust.
Ozuna has been in the big leagues since 2013, when he debuted with the Miami Marlins. After five years in Miami, he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for Sandy Alcantara, Magneuris Sierra, Zac Gallen and Daniel Castano.
The slugger spent two years in St. Louis before signing with the Braves in 2020. He was part of the World Series-winning team in 2021, but missed the postseason due to off-the-field issues and being placed on administrative leave.
Ozuna is a three-time All-Star. He earned a Gold Glove in 2017 and was a recipient of the Silver Slugger Award in 2017 and 2020.
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