Pirates release struggling designated hitter Marcell Ozuna
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 4:21 PM
Last updated Aug 5, 2026
The Pittsburgh Pirates have released designated hitter Marcell Ozuna following a disappointing season. Ozuna, 35, signed a one-year, $12 million contract before the season but struggled offensively, batting.203 with eight home runs and 29 RBIs in 70 games. His performance included the fifth-lowest batting average and the tenth-lowest on-base percentage among National League players with at least 250 plate appearances. This decision reflects the team's struggles to find consistent production from their lineup.
- •Ozuna batted.203 with eight home runs and 29 RBIs in 70 games.
- •He signed a one-year, $12 million contract with an option for 2027.
- •Ozuna had the fifth-lowest batting average among NL players with 250 plate appearances.
- 4:21 PMYahoo Sports — Pittsburgh Pirates release designated hitter Marcell Ozuna after slump
- 4:18 PMESPN — Source: Struggling DH Ozuna released by Pirates
- 3:01 PMYahoo Sports — Pirates release Marcell Ozuna
"After struggling all season, the Pirates are releasing veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna. A source confirmed the news to Pittsburgh Baseball Now.
"Veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, who is hitting just .203 with eight home runs, has been released by the Pirates, a source confirmed to ESPN.
"The Pittsburgh Pirates released designated hitter Marcell Ozuna after a career-worst offensive slump, a league source told UPI on Wednesday.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 5, 2026, 4:21 PMPittsburgh Pirates release designated hitter Marcell Ozuna after slump
The Pittsburgh Pirates released designated hitter Marcell Ozuna after a career-worst offensive slump, a league source told UPI on Wednesday.
- ESPNAug 5, 2026, 4:18 PMSource: Struggling DH Ozuna released by Pirates
Veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, who is hitting just .203 with eight home runs, has been released by the Pirates, a source confirmed to ESPN.
- Yahoo SportsAug 5, 2026, 3:01 PMPirates release Marcell Ozuna
After struggling all season, the Pirates are releasing veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna. A source confirmed the news to Pittsburgh Baseball Now.
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