Pirates made a mistake signing Marcell Ozuna over Andrew McCutchen

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 could’ve 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 season’s start, certainly better than Ozuna.