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The Pittsburgh Pirates have decided to move on from veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna. The club reportedly released the 35-year-old after months of disappointing offensive production. The decision comes shortly after the MLB trade deadline and reflects Pittsburgh’s effort to strengthen its roster for a postseason push.
Ozuna signed a one-year, $12 million contract with the Pirates before the 2026 season. The move was expected to add power and experience to the lineup. Instead, it became one of the team’s biggest disappointments.
Why the Pirates Released Marcell Ozuna
The Pirates entered the season hoping Ozuna would provide consistent power in the middle of the batting order. That never happened.
Through 280 plate appearances, Ozuna produced a .203 batting average with eight home runs and 29 RBIs. He also posted a .612 OPS, which ranked well below league average for a designated hitter.
His offensive struggles continued throughout the season. Because he primarily served as a designated hitter, he could not offset his lack of production with defensive value.
For a team competing for a playoff spot, carrying an underperforming veteran became increasingly difficult to justify.
A Costly Free-Agent Signing
Pittsburgh invested $12 million in Ozuna during the offseason. The contract was viewed as a relatively low-risk opportunity to add an experienced slugger.
However, the investment failed to deliver the expected return.
Ozuna finished his time with the Pirates having one of the weakest offensive seasons of his MLB career. His overall value dropped below replacement level, making him one of the least productive regular players on the roster.
Although releasing a player with a significant salary is never ideal, the Pirates chose roster flexibility over sunk cost.
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Ronny Simon Expected to Replace Ozuna
Reports indicate that Ronny Simon is expected to receive a promotion from Triple-A Indianapolis following Ozuna’s release.
Simon has impressed in the minor leagues and now appears set to receive an opportunity at the major league level.
The move signals that Pittsburgh wants to evaluate younger talent during the final stretch of the season. Fresh energy and improved offensive production could help the club remain competitive in the National League playoff race.
Fans will now watch closely to see whether Simon can provide a spark that the Pirates have lacked at the designated hitter position.
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Ozuna’s Future Remains Uncertain
Despite his difficult season, Ozuna’s long MLB career and previous success may still attract interest from other organizations.
Veteran hitters often receive opportunities late in the season, especially from teams dealing with injuries or seeking additional bench depth.
Any interested club will likely expect Ozuna to rediscover the power that once made him one of baseball’s more dangerous run producers.
At 35 years old, he faces an important challenge. His next opportunity could determine whether he extends his major league career or enters free agency without another contract.
What This Means for the Pirates
The Pirates’ decision highlights their commitment to improving the roster rather than remaining loyal to an expensive signing.
Removing Ozuna opens both a roster spot and regular playing time for younger players. It also sends a message that performance matters, regardless of salary or reputation.
While releasing a veteran carries financial consequences, teams chasing postseason success often prioritize production over past accomplishments.
If Simon or another young player delivers stronger offensive results, the Pirates could benefit from making the difficult decision now rather than waiting until the end of the season.
Marcell Ozuna’s tenure with the Pittsburgh Pirates ended far sooner than expected. What began as a promising free-agent signing quickly turned into one of the club’s biggest disappointments of the 2026 season.
With Ozuna now released, Pittsburgh shifts its focus toward younger talent and improved roster performance. Meanwhile, the veteran slugger will begin searching for another opportunity to prove he still belongs in Major League Baseball.
The coming weeks will reveal whether this roster move helps the Pirates strengthen their playoff hopes and whether Ozuna can revive his career with a new organization.
