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Pirates Axe Ozuna: Offensive Collapse Forces Shock Release
Pirates Cut Ties with Marcell Ozuna: What Happened and What’s Next
The Big News
The Pittsburgh Pirates have decided to release designated hitter Marcell Ozuna after he struggled to find his rhythm this season. A source confirmed the news to ESPN on Wednesday, ending a short stint that didn’t go as planned for either side.
IMPORTANT POINT
This move means the Pirates are eating the remaining salary on Ozuna’s contract because they believe the team will be better off without him in the lineup. It’s a bold decision that shows they’re prioritizing performance over money.
Why Did the Pirates Sign Ozuna in the First Place?
Before this season, the Pirates were hoping Ozuna would bring some serious power to their lineup. Here’s what they were banking on:
- The Deal: One-year contract worth $12 million with a mutual option for 2027
- The Pedigree: Three-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger winner, and a Gold Glove award winner
- Recent Success: Hit 21 home runs for the Atlanta Braves in 2025 with a .756 OPS
- Prime Years: From 2020-2025, his 148 home runs with Atlanta ranked third among all designated hitters—behind only superstars Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber
What Went Wrong in Pittsburgh?
Despite the impressive resume, things didn’t click at PNC Park. Here’s the breakdown:
The Numbers Don’t Lie
| Stat | Ozuna’s 2026 Season |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 70 |
| Batting Average | .203 |
| Home Runs | 8 |
| RBIs | 29 |
| OPS | .613 |
The PNC Park Problem
Ozuna has historically struggled at Pittsburgh’s home stadium:
- 65 career games at PNC Park
- .229 batting average
- Only 7 home runs in those games
- The ballpark has a reputation for being especially tough on right-handed hitters
A Steady Decline
His production has been trending downward:
- 2024: .925 OPS (excellent)
- 2025: .756 OPS (solid)
- 2026: .613 OPS (well below average)
Who’s Taking His Place?
The Pirates are calling up Ronny Simon from Triple-A Indianapolis. Here’s why he earned the promotion:
Simon’s Impressive Minor League Season
- Leads the International League with a .330 batting average
- 7 home runs and 63 RBIs
- 33 stolen bases (shows speed on the basepaths)
- Reached base in 85 of 99 games (incredible consistency)
- Switch-hitter who can play multiple positions (utility value)
IMPORTANT POINT
Simon isn’t just a one-trick pony—he hits for average, has some power, runs well, and can play different positions. That versatility is exactly what the Pirates need right now.
Ozuna’s Career at a Glance
Even though this stint didn’t work out, Ozuna has had a remarkable career:
- 2020: Signed with Atlanta on a one-year deal → posted career-best 1.067 OPS
- 2021: Re-signed with Braves for 4 years, $65 million (plus 2025 club option)
- Accolades:
- 3× All-Star
- 2× Silver Slugger (best offensive player at position)
- 1× Gold Glove (best defensive player at position)
- 4× received NL MVP votes (peaked at 4th place in 2024)
What This Means for the Pirates
The Good
- Financial flexibility moving forward
- Roster spot for a younger, more versatile player
- Message sent: Performance matters more than reputation or salary
The Risk
- Eating $12 million on a player no longer on the roster
- Losing a veteran presence in the clubhouse
- Simon is unproven at the major league level
Summary
The Pittsburgh Pirates released struggling designated hitter Marcell Ozuna after he hit just .203 with 8 home runs in 70 games. Despite a strong track record—including 148 home runs over six seasons with Atlanta—Ozuna never adjusted to PNC Park, where he’s a .229 career hitter. The team will call up Ronny Simon, a switch-hitting utility player who’s tearing up Triple-A with a .330 average, 7 HR, 63 RBI, and 33 stolen bases. While the move costs the Pirates the remainder of Ozuna’s $12 million salary, it opens a roster spot for a younger, more versatile player who’s earned his shot.
FAQ
Why would the Pirates pay Ozuna $12 million to NOT play for them?
A: Because keeping him on the roster would hurt the team’s chances to win more than the money they’re losing. In baseball, roster spots are precious—you can’t afford to waste one on a player who isn’t producing, even if he’s expensive.
What is a "designated hitter" anyway?
A: A designated hitter (DH) is a player who only bats and doesn’t play defense in the field. It’s a position used in the American League and (since 2022) the National League too. Think of it as a "professional hitter" role.
What does OPS mean, and why is .613 bad?
A: OPS stands for On-base Plus Slugging. It combines how often a player gets on base with how much power they show. An average MLB hitter is around .700-.750. Ozuna’s .613 is significantly below average—like getting a D on a report card where C is average.
Can the Pirates bring Ozuna back later?
A: Technically yes, but it’s very unlikely. Once a player is released, they become a free agent and can sign with any team—including the Pirates. But since the Pirates just paid him to leave, don’t expect a reunion.
How good is Ronny Simon really? Triple-A stats can be misleading, right?
A: You’re absolutely right to be skeptical! Minor league numbers don’t always translate. However, Simon’s consistency (reaching base in 86% of games), versatility (multiple positions), and complete skill set (hit, power, speed) make him an intriguing prospect. The Pirates clearly think he’s ready for the challenge.
