Justin Casterline / Getty ImagesAug. 5, 2026 11:23 am EDT Updated The Pittsburgh Pirates are moving on from one of their biggest offseason acquisitions, releasing designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, league sources with knowledge of the matter to The Athletic on Wednesday, because of the slugger’s poor production. Sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because the move is not yet official.Cutting Ozuna allows the Pirates to clear room on their 40-man and active rosters for outfielder/infielder Ronny Simon.
After signing a one-year, $12 million deal with the Pirates in the offseason, Ozuna hit just .203 with a .612 OPS and eight home runs in 70 games and 280 plate appearances.At Tuesday’s trade deadline, the Pirates deepened their bullpen by acquiring relievers Luke Weaver, Kirby Yates, Lake Bachar and Camilo Doval, but Pittsburgh did not supplement its lineup. The Pirates’ .656 OPS from the DH spot this season is fourth-worst in Major League Baseball, behind only the Arizona Diamondbacks (.616), Detroit Tigers (.604) and Kansas City Royals (.600).Pittsburgh (57-58) is 3 1/2 games out of a wild card spot. FanGraphs’ playoff odds give the Pirates a 19.5 percent chance at making the postseason.As a team, the Pirates boast MLB’s fourth-best OPS (.748). Their lineup is waiting on returns from the injured list from Konnor Griffin and O’Neil Cruz.
