Why did Pirates release Marcell Ozuna before one full season? Breaking down the Pittsburgh DH’s performances before exit
Why Did Pirates Release Marcell Ozuna Early? Full Breakdown
Bharatmorningnews.com – Why did Pirates release Marcell Ozuna before completing a single full season? The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially moved on from the veteran designated hitter, ending his tenure in Pittsburgh after a disappointing campaign that fell well short of expectations. According to MLB insider Mike Rodriguez, the organization announced the release on Wednesday, just months after Ozuna signed with the club during the offseason.
The Contract That Failed to Deliver
Ozuna arrived in Pittsburgh in February, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $12 million that included a mutual option for 2027. The franchise invested heavily in the outfielder, hoping his power-hitting ability would strengthen their lineup and provide consistency at the plate.
Unfortunately, those lofty expectations went unmet. At 35 years old, Ozuna posted a .203 batting average alongside eight home runs and 29 runs batted in across 70 contests. Those figures represent a significant decline from his 2024 season with Atlanta, where he earned All-Star honors while hitting .302 with 39 home runs.
Performance Struggles and Reduced Role
Baseball Reference credits Ozuna with -1.0 Wins Above Replacement during his stint in Pittsburgh. Manager Don Kelly steadily diminished his lineup position as the season progressed, with Ozuna appearing in just 11 games in June and 12 in July.
Offensive consistency eluded him throughout his time with the Pirates. After a rocky beginning, Ozuna was batting .162 by late April. He showed slight improvement in May, hitting .219 with three homers and 13 RBIs. June brought further progress with a .263 average, though his opportunities continued to shrink as the team sought better options.
Ozuna’s last game for Pittsburgh came on Saturday against Cincinnati, where he went 1-for-4 with a double. Despite boasting nine seasons of 20-plus home runs in his career, he could not recapture that power during his time with the Pirates.
What Comes Next for Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh’s choice to part ways with Ozuna as the season wound down made sense given his struggles and the need for roster flexibility. The organization has since promoted Ronny Simon, a 26-year-old switch-hitting utility player from Triple-A Indianapolis, to fill the vacant spot.
Simon has emerged as one of the International League’s premier hitters this year, leading the circuit with a .330 batting average and an .889 OPS. He also brings value against left-handed pitching, recording a 1.057 OPS in those matchups.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Simon’s promotion was completed late Tuesday night once the Pirates cleared space on their 40-man roster. This move positions the team to evaluate younger talent while managing payroll for the upcoming season.
Ozuna’s Career Legacy Remains Strong
While his Pittsburgh chapter ended prematurely, Ozuna leaves behind an impressive resume. He has earned three All-Star selections and two Silver Slugger Awards over 1,684 major league games, accumulating 1,618 hits and 304 home runs.
“Ozuna was always going to be a power source for us,” said a Pirates executive. “Sometimes these things don’t work out, but we’re moving forward with a fresh perspective.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pirates release Marcell Ozuna so quickly?
Ozuna was released due to his underwhelming performance, posting a .203 batting average and -1.0 WAR in just 70 games. The team needed roster flexibility and found a better option in Ronny Simon.
What is Marcell Ozuna’s contract status?
Ozuna signed a one-year, $12 million deal with a mutual option for 2027. The Pirates declined to exercise the option after his release, making him a free agent.
Who replaces Ozuna in the Pirates lineup?
Ronny Simon, a 26-year-old switch-hitter from Triple-A Indianapolis, has been promoted to fill the designated hitter role. He leads the International League with a .330 batting average.
How does Ozuna’s Pittsburgh performance compare to his career?
Ozuna’s .203 average in Pittsburgh is significantly lower than his career .278 batting average. His 39 home runs in 2024 with Atlanta highlight how much his production declined in Pittsburgh.