The Pittsburgh Pirates are making waves in the offseason, and it’s not just about their pitching staff. Here’s the bombshell: they’re eyeing veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, a move that could shake up their lineup but also stir up some serious debate. According to Katie Woo and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Pirates are showing interest in Ozuna, marking the first time this winter he’s been prominently linked to a team. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Ozuna could bring much-needed offensive power, his fit in Pittsburgh isn’t exactly seamless.
Ozuna, who turned 35 in November, had a somewhat underwhelming 2025 season by his standards, but he still outperformed the average hitter. He slashed .232/.355/.400 with 21 home runs, 19 doubles, and a career-high 15.9% walk rate in 592 plate appearances for the Atlanta Braves. His season was a rollercoaster—starting hot in April and May, plummeting in June, and then stabilizing as a slightly above-average hitter for the final three months. But is that enough to justify a spot on the Pirates’ roster?
The Pirates’ current lineup already has Spencer Horwitz and Ryan O’Hearn penciled in to share first base and designated hitter duties. Horwitz, after a slow start in 2025, finished the season on fire with a .314/.402/.539 slash line in his final two months. O’Hearn, meanwhile, can play the outfield corners, but Bryan Reynolds already locks down one of those spots. Signing Ozuna would likely push O’Hearn into a primary outfield role, despite his below-average defensive grades in the corners. And this is the part most people miss: that move could block playing time for speedster Jake Mangum and top prospect Jhostynxon Garcia, whom the Pirates acquired in the Johan Oviedo trade.
But here’s the million-dollar question: should the Pirates prioritize offense over defense? Their pitching staff, led by strikeout artists like Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, and Braxton Ashcraft, is the team’s backbone. Meanwhile, their lineup has been one of MLB’s weakest for over a decade. Adding Ozuna could sacrifice some defensive stability, but it would give the Pirates a more formidable lineup—one that includes Reynolds, O’Hearn, Horwitz, trade acquisition Brandon Lowe, and eventually, top prospect Konnor Griffin. Yet, an outfield with O’Hearn in left, Oneil Cruz in center, and Reynolds in right would be a defensive nightmare.
And then there’s the elephant in the room: Andrew McCutchen. The franchise icon, who returned to Pittsburgh three years ago, is also a right-handed hitting outfielder turned DH. Both he and Ozuna would fill similar roles, but the Pirates might favor Ozuna’s recent performance against right-handed pitching (.235/.347/.415 compared to McCutchen’s .228/.326/.358). McCutchen, now 39, has expressed frustration with the slow pace of contract talks this winter, leaving his future with the team uncertain.
The Pirates have been aggressive in their pursuit of offensive upgrades, missing out on high-profile targets like Josh Naylor, Kyle Schwarber, Kazuma Okamoto, and Eugenio Suárez. They’ve shown a willingness to spend, reportedly offering Schwarber $120-125 million—a franchise record. But with options dwindling, the question remains: Is Ozuna the right move, or should they focus on retaining McCutchen?
With pitchers and catchers reporting in a week and Opening Day just seven weeks away, the Pirates’ $95 million projected payroll suggests they’re ready to make a splash. But will it be Ozuna, McCutchen, or someone else? And more importantly, are they willing to sacrifice defense for a chance at a more potent lineup? Let us know what you think in the comments—this debate is far from over.
