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Pirates made a mistake signing Marcell Ozuna over Andrew McCutchen
TL;DR
The Pittsburgh Pirates signed Marcell Ozuna to a one-year, $12 million contract, but he has struggled with a .070 batting average and no home runs. Many fans believe the team made a mistake, as Andrew McCutchen was available for a cheaper deal.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 4: Marcell Ozuna #24 of the Pittsburgh Pirates strikes out swinging in the sixth inning during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park on April 4, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates made some big moves in the offseason and one of them was signing veteran Marcell Ozuna to a one-year 12 million contract. The $deal seemed like a really good idea when it happened because of how much Pittsburgh needed a guy with power but the righty has struggled so far this season.
Through the start of the season, Ozuna has a .070 batting average and just three hits. He also has zero home runs and zero RBIs and has an on base percentage of .165 and he has struck out 12 times. The 35 year old has even gotten booed by the home crowd at PNC Park because of his slow start.
I am all for giving people time and being patient but what is making this really frustrating is that Pittsburgh had a guy in Andrew McCutchen who couldâve been their DH if they just signed him to a cheap, one-year deal.
McCutchen was a free agent and the Bucs decided not to re-sign the fan favorite player. Instead, the 39-year-old signed a Minor League contract with the Texas Rangers. Where he has played pretty well through the seasonâs start, certainly better than Ozuna.
The former Pirate has 9 hits, 1 home run, and 7 RBIs early in the season. He also has a .429 batting average with 3 doubles. His strong performance is bringing up the burning question. Why didnât Pittsburgh re-sign Andrew McCutchen ?
I understand that McCutchen is nearly 40 years old nd he wouldnât be able to play everyday but they couldâve signed him for a whole lot cheaper and they wouldâve gotten someone who would actually be producing on the field. With Ozuna at DH it slows the team down and it limits how flexible manager Don Kelly can be with the lineup.
Itâs frustrating watching a Pirates great play well in Texas when Pittsburgh couldâve easily just signed him. McCutchen had a .239 batting average with 13 home runs and 57 RBIs last season, which is solid. The Buccos donât even need Cutch to be an everyday DH, with players like Brandon Lowe, Ryan Oâhearn and even Spencer Horowitz being capable of filling that role.
I know itâs early in the season, but I believe the Bucs made a mistake with signing Ozuna. It wouldâve been nice to see McCutchen as the DH and be able to retire as a Pirate instead of watching Ozuna struggle.
Comment if you think the Pirates made a mistake signing Ozuna over McCutchen as the DH.
Q&A
What is Marcell Ozuna's batting average with the Pittsburgh Pirates?
Marcell Ozuna has a batting average of .070 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Why do fans think the Pirates should have signed Andrew McCutchen instead of Marcell Ozuna?
Fans believe the Pirates should have signed Andrew McCutchen because he could have been their designated hitter for a cheaper one-year deal, especially given Ozuna's poor performance.
How many hits and RBIs does Marcell Ozuna have this season?
Marcell Ozuna has only three hits and zero RBIs this season.
