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Pittsburgh Pirates Release Designated Hitter Marcell Ozuna
The Pittsburgh Pirates released 35‑year‑old designated hitter Marcell Ozuna on August 5, 2026. Ozuna, who signed a one‑year, $12 million contract with a mutual option for 2027, posted a .203 batting average, .286 on‑base percentage, .327 slugging and a .612 OPS in 70 games, hitting eight home runs and driving in 29 runs.
His prolonged slump left the Pirates with a vacant roster spot and a weak DH performance (fourth‑worst OPS among DHs in MLB). To fill the vacancy, the club promoted outfielder/infielder Ronny Simon from Triple‑A Indianapolis. The move comes as Pittsburgh, sitting at 57‑58 and 3½ games behind the National League wild‑card, bolstered its bullpen at the trade deadline.
The release ends what had been the team's largest offseason acquisition, reflecting the franchise’s effort to improve offensive production while managing roster flexibility.
Entities
Ben Cherington · Don Kelly · Marcell Ozuna · Pittsburgh Pirates · Ronny Simon
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Pirates' designated‑hitter OPS was .656, the fourth‑worst in MLB. www.nytimes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Releasing Ozuna clears a roster spot for outfielder/infielder Ronny Simon. www.nytimes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Before the trade deadline, the Pirates added relievers Luke Weaver, Kirby Yates, Lake Bachar and Camilo Doval. www.nytimes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Pirates rank third in MLB in runs scored and have the fourth‑best overall OPS at .748. www.nytimes.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Pittsburgh Pirates released Marcell Ozuna in August 2026. pittsburghbaseballnow.com · heavy.com · www.nytimes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pittsburgh was 57‑58, 3½ games behind the National League wild‑card spot, with a 20.7 % chance of making the postseason. www.nytimes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ozuna signed a one‑year, $12 million contract with the Pirates in the 2026 offseason, with an option for 2027. pittsburghbaseballnow.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Ozuna posted a .203 batting average, .286 on‑base percentage, .327 slugging and a .612 OPS with eight home runs and 29 RBI in 70 games. pittsburghbaseballnow.com · heavy.com · www.nytimes.com