Pirates Sign Marcell Ozuna, Explore Third Base Options

Pittsburgh's latest free agent addition has implications for the roster, including a potential reunion with Andrew McCutchen.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 8:07pm

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2027, adding a right-handed power bat to their lineup. The move has ramifications across the roster, as the team continues to explore upgrades at third base and left-handed starting pitching options.

Why it matters

The Pirates are looking to build on a promising 2025 season and take the next step as a contender in the NL Central. Improving the production at third base and adding a veteran left-handed starter could be key to their success, while the Ozuna signing provides a proven power threat in the middle of the order.

The details

With Ke'Bryan Hayes traded to the Reds, the Pirates are in the market for a new starting third baseman after getting the worst production at the position in MLB last season. Free agent options like Luis Rengifo, Ramon Urias, and Santiago Espinal are available, while the team was previously linked to a trade for Isaac Paredes, though that seems less likely now after the Ozuna signing. On the pitching side, the Pirates could look to add a veteran left-hander like Jose Quintana, Martín Pérez, or Tyler Anderson to round out the rotation.

  • The Pirates signed Marcell Ozuna to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2027 on February 10, 2026.
  • The team finished last in MLB in OPS from the third base position in 2025.

The players

Marcell Ozuna

A veteran slugger who has signed a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2027 to join the Pirates' lineup.

Ke'Bryan Hayes

The former Pirates third baseman who was traded to the Cincinnati Reds.

Jared Triolo

A Pirates infielder who is currently penciled in as the team's starting third baseman.

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What they’re saying

“They're probably at their payroll limit, or at least close to it.”

— Ken Rosenthal, Analyst (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Pirates will continue to explore trade and free agent options to upgrade at third base and add a left-handed starting pitcher to their rotation.

The takeaway

The Pirates are making an aggressive push to improve their roster this offseason, adding a proven power bat in Marcell Ozuna while also seeking upgrades at key positions like third base and starting pitching. These moves demonstrate the team's commitment to building a contender in the NL Central.