Pirates Sign Veteran Slugger Marcell Ozuna to Boost Lineup

Ozuna's power and leadership expected to benefit young Pirates squad

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna to a one-year, $12 million contract, adding much-needed power to their lineup. Ozuna, who hit 21 home runs last season, will reunite with former teammate and current Pirates manager Don Kelly, who is excited about the impact Ozuna's bat and veteran presence can have on the team, especially for young stars like Oneil Cruz.

Why it matters

With longtime Pirates leader Andrew McCutchen still unsigned, Ozuna's arrival fills a leadership void and provides a veteran presence to help develop the team's young talent. The Pirates are hoping Ozuna's power and clubhouse influence will translate to more wins and a more competitive roster this season.

The details

The Pirates signed Ozuna to a one-year, $12 million contract, pending a physical. Ozuna's 21 home runs last season would have led the Pirates, and his power is expected to immediately boost their lineup. Manager Don Kelly is familiar with Ozuna from their time together with the Marlins, and believes Ozuna's veteran leadership and mentorship will be invaluable, especially for young stars like Oneil Cruz.

  • The Pirates signed Ozuna on Monday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Marcell Ozuna

A veteran slugger who hit 21 home runs last season and is expected to provide a power boost to the Pirates' lineup.

Don Kelly

The Pirates' manager, who previously played with Ozuna on the Marlins and is excited to reunite with him in Pittsburgh.

Oneil Cruz

A young Pirates star who is expected to benefit from Ozuna's veteran leadership and mentorship.

Andrew McCutchen

The longtime Pirates leader who is currently unsigned, leaving a leadership void that Ozuna is expected to help fill.

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What they’re saying

“If everything goes well, excited to add Ozuna's bat to the lineup. When you talk about the seasons that he's had, last year being quote unquote 'down year,' still 21 home runs and a bunch of RBIs and a big power bat that we can put in the middle of our order.”

— Don Kelly, Pirates Manager (Pirates Roundtable)

“He's a teammate. And the first-hand experience that I had with him in Miami and the feedback that we've gotten from everybody in Atlanta is that he helps everybody be better. Excited what that is going to mean in regards to Oneil (Cruz), too, to have Marcell be in the clubhouse, to be able to help him. I think Marcell is going to help a lot of guys.”

— Don Kelly, Pirates Manager (Pirates Roundtable)

What’s next

The Pirates will monitor Ozuna's physical condition during spring training, and the team is hopeful that his power and veteran leadership will translate to more wins and a more competitive roster this season.

The takeaway

Ozuna's signing represents the Pirates' intent to build a more competitive team and fill a leadership void left by the unsigned Andrew McCutchen. The team is banking on Ozuna's power and veteran presence to help develop their young stars and improve their chances of success in the upcoming season.