The Pirates have added a big stick to the lineup this morning, signing Marcell Ozuna to a one-year deal with a partnership option through 2027. The deal is yet another addition to Pittsburgh’s front office that has had an underwhelming offseason. The club may not be done making a move, either. Pittsburgh remains in the market for a third base upgrade, according to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The team is also looking for a left tackle.
Getting better production from the hot corner won’t be difficult, considering the Pirates finished dead last in OPS at the position in 2025. Pittsburgh’s third basemen combined for a .573 mark, nearly 50 points worse than the next team (Cubs at .621). It’s Bryan Hayetook most of the reps in the third place before facing the Reps. Jared Triolo, Isiah Kiner-Falefaagain Cam Devaney it is mixed again. Triolo is penciled in as the roster currently stands.
The free agent market has been largely eliminated. Veterans Luis Rengifo, Ramon Uriasagain Santiago Espinal title for unregistered players. Kike Hernández is still available, although a reunion in LA seems the most likely scenario for him.
Isaac Paredes has been the hottest name on the trade market, and Pittsburgh is said to be interested, although that may change after the $12MM investment in Ozuna. Mackey noted that the Ozuna signing perhaps removes Pittsburgh as a suitor for Paredes. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic shared a similar sentiment in his look at Foul Territory. “They are probably at their lead limit, or at least close to it,” said Rosenthal.
FanGraphs’ RosterResource The tool estimates Pittsburgh’s financial obligations at $105MM by 2026. As Steve Adams noted in Ozuna’s post, the club is trending toward a new franchise record for Opening Day payroll. Paredes will earn $9.35MM in 2026. Unless the team brings back significant salary, a trade for Paredes would push the Pirates’ payroll over last year’s figure by more than $25MM.
Finding the left starter should be easy. Pittsburgh has been known to pick up a reliable veteran or two to fill out the rotation. Andrew Heaney again Bailey Falter He served in that position until 2025. Jose Quintana, Martín Pérezagain Tyler Anderson they have done it in recent years. Quintana and Anderson are still on the market. Patrick Corbin he hasn’t found a home after back-to-back seasons.
[Related: The Pirates’ Rotation Options]
The Ozuna deal could also close the door on another move. As Mackey notes, adding a full-time DH has implications for reuniting with a longtime star Andrew McCutchen. Ozuna hasn’t played since 2023. His time on the grass that season was one start. The 35-year-old likely won’t need his glove anytime soon going forward. McCutchen has played just 20 games in the outfield from 2023 to 2025 in Pittsburgh. He had 445 at-bats at DH last year.
The team was still negotiating with the player, 39, last month, although he expressed his frustration with the way the situation was handled. McCutchen spent the first nine seasons of his career as a Pirate. He won the 2013 NL MVP award with the team. After bouncing around the Giants, Yankees, Phillies, and Brewers, McCutchen returned to the Pirates in the same year, making $5MM over the past three seasons.
Photo courtesy of James A. Pittman, Imagn Images
