Pirates Cut Ties with $12 Million DH Amid Struggles, Call Up Ronny Simon
In a significant roster move on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the Pittsburgh Pirates have released designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, ending his brief and underwhelming tenure with the club. Multiple reliable sources, including reports from ESPN, MLB.com, The Athletic, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, confirmed the decision as the team looks to inject energy into its lineup during a tight wild-card race.
Ozuna, the 35-year-old three-time All-Star, signed a one-year, $12 million contract with the Pirates in February 2026 following six seasons with the Atlanta Braves. The deal included a mutual option for 2027. Expected to serve as a full-time designated hitter and provide power to a previously low-producing lineup, Ozuna instead delivered a career-worst performance.
Struggling Stats Lead to Release
In 70 games and 280 plate appearances this season, Ozuna posted a .203 batting average, .612 OPS, eight home runs, and 29 RBIs. He struck out 80 times, a 28.6% strikeout rate that ranked among the highest for players with significant playing time. The Pirates went 28-42 in games in which Ozuna appeared. His production at the DH spot contributed to the team ranking near the bottom of MLB in that category.
Ozuna’s last appearance came on August 1 against the Cincinnati Reds, where he went 1-for-4 with a double. Over his final stretch, he struggled to a .184 average in his previous 15 games. The move clears a spot on both the active and 40-man rosters.
Ronny Simon Called Up to Replace Ozuna
Taking Ozuna’s place is switch-hitting utility player Ronny Simon, who has been red-hot at Triple-A Indianapolis. In 99 games, Simon is batting .330 with an .889 OPS, seven home runs, 63 RBIs, 26 doubles, and 33 stolen bases. His batting average currently leads the International League, and he has shown consistent contact and speed that the Pirates hope will spark their offense.
The Pirates sit at 57-58, just 3.5 games out of a National League wild-card spot, with FanGraphs giving them roughly a 20.7% chance of reaching the postseason. After adding several bullpen arms at the trade deadline, the club opted not to acquire additional hitters and is now turning to internal options like Simon while awaiting the returns of injured players such as Oneil Cruz and Konnor Griffin.
What Comes Next for Marcell Ozuna
Once the formal release process is complete and he clears waivers, Ozuna will become a free agent. At this stage of the season, any interested team could sign him to a major-league deal for the prorated portion of the major-league minimum or offer a minor-league contract to allow him to regain his form. Ozuna remains a veteran presence known for his clubhouse leadership, having mentored younger Pirates players during his time in Pittsburgh.
The release marks a disappointing end to what was one of the Pirates’ largest offseason investments. Fans and analysts will now watch closely to see where the former Braves standout lands next and whether he can rediscover the power stroke that produced 39 home runs and a .925 OPS as recently as 2024.
What do you think about the Pirates’ decision to release Marcell Ozuna? Drop your comments below and stay tuned for the latest updates on his next move and the Pirates’ playoff push!