Pirates Eye Marcell Ozuna to Reunite with Andrew McCutchen

The Pittsburgh Pirates, a team that usually gets flak for their weak offense, are stirring things up this winter. They’re eyeing veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna, which has definitely caught people off guard.

This rumor has started a lot of chatter around the league. The Pirates have a complicated roster right now, and they clearly need more bats that can actually produce runs.

Nothing’s close to happening yet, but just the link to Ozuna hints at a new direction for the Bucs this offseason. It’s honestly kind of surprising.

Pirates Eyeing Ozuna: A Risky Bet or a Desperate Play?

The Pirates’ interest in Marcell Ozuna, 35, is the first real connection anyone’s made between him and a specific team this offseason. Even though Ozuna had what people are calling a “down year” in 2025, he still put up some solid numbers.

He hit .232/.355/.400 with 21 homers and a career-best 15.9% walk rate over 592 plate appearances for Atlanta. That’s not nothing, especially for a lineup that’s been starved for power like Pittsburgh’s.

The Pirates have been stuck near the bottom of MLB’s offensive rankings for what feels like forever. Ozuna’s power is tempting—maybe even a little too tempting.

The PNC Park Predicament: Right-Handed Power and Roster Fits

But here’s the catch: PNC Park isn’t exactly friendly to right-handed sluggers. The place is notorious for killing righty power, so Ozuna might not get as much out of his bat there.

Plus, the Pirates don’t really have a designated hitter spot just waiting for him. That’s a big deal, since DH is pretty much Ozuna’s main gig these days.

Spencer Horwitz has been on a tear and locked down his spot at first base and DH. That muddies the waters even more.

Ryan O’Hearn is splitting time between first and the corner outfield, adding to the logjam. It’s kind of a mess, honestly.

Cascading Effects: Outfield Logjam and Prospect Pathways

If the Pirates bring in Ozuna, things could get even more complicated. O’Hearn might get pushed into left field more often, which could mean fewer at-bats for Jake Mangum.

Mangum needs regular playing time to develop, and it’s not great if he loses those chances. There’s also the issue of Jhostynxon Garcia, their top prospect, who could get blocked from reaching the majors.

The Pirates really don’t want to stunt Garcia’s growth, especially when they’re trying to build for the future. It’s a tough balancing act.

A lineup with Bryan Reynolds, O’Hearn, Horwitz, Ozuna, Brandon Lowe, and prospect Konnor Griffin would definitely add some pop. But let’s be real—it’d probably make the outfield defense a lot shakier.

Ozuna vs. McCutchen: A Clash of Veteran Profiles

It’s also hard to ignore how much Ozuna’s profile overlaps with Andrew McCutchen’s. Both are veteran bats who mostly play DH or the outfield.

Trying to carry both of them on the roster seems nearly impossible. McCutchen, 39, has said he wants to finish his career in Pittsburgh, but he’s also made it clear he’s frustrated with how slow contract talks have gone.

Statistically, Ozuna hits right-handed pitching better than McCutchen at this point. That gives Ozuna a bit of an edge if you’re just looking at the numbers.

But is it worth bumping a franchise legend for a short-term boost? That’s the uncomfortable question the Pirates’ front office has to answer.

A Shift in Spending Habits: Pirates Ready to Splash?

Despite all the complex roster questions, the Pirates’ offseason moves hint at something unexpected. They’re actually showing a real willingness to spend this time.

Word is, they chased Josh Naylor and threw serious offers at slugger Kyle Schwarber. The front office also checked in on Eugenio Suárez and Kazuma Okamoto.

Even as the offseason drags on and choices shrink, it seems like the Pirates still want at least one more big bat. Their pitching—anchored by Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, and Braxton Ashcraft—looks solid and hungry for a shot.

The real question? Will that bat be Marcell Ozuna? After years of quiet bats, maybe, just maybe, the Pirates are finally ready to roll the dice and spark their offense. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Pirates Interested In Marcell Ozuna