Marcell Ozuna Signs $12 Million Deal with Pittsburgh Pirates: What Does This Mean for His Career?
Daniel Kim Views
@@@
SPOTV News
@@@
▲ Marcel Ozuna
[SPORTS] Why did veteran slugger Marcel Ozuna (36), who once rivaled superstar Shohei Ohtani for the home run crown, only now ink a deal – and with a cellar-dwelling team, no less?
MLB.com reported on February 10 that the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a one-year, $12 million (approximately 16 billion KRW) contract with slugger Marcel Ozuna, adding a much-needed right-handed power bat to their lineup.
The Dominican-born Ozuna made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins in 2013. He earned his first All-Star nod in 2016 after belting 23 homers. Ozuna’s breakout came in 2017 when he posted a .312 average with 37 home runs, 124 RBIs, and 1 stolen base. This performance not only secured him back-to-back All-Star selections but also Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards, marking his prime.
After stints with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018-2019, Ozuna joined the Atlanta Braves in 2020. Despite the pandemic-shortened season, he led the National League in homers and RBIs with a .338 average, 18 dingers, and 56 RBIs. In 2023, he reached the 40-homer plateau for the first time, finishing with a .274 average, 40 long balls, and 100 RBIs.
@@@
SPOTV News
@@@
▲ Marcel Ozuna
@@@
Getty Images Korea
@@@
▲ Marcel Ozuna
Ozuna’s heated rivalry with Ohtani peaked in 2024. The two sluggers battled for key offensive stats, including homers and RBIs. Ozuna wrapped up the season with a .302 average, 183 hits, 39 home runs, 104 RBIs, and 5 steals. He ranked third in the NL in batting average and hits, second in homers, and tied for fourth in RBIs.
Ohtani, meanwhile, caught fire down the stretch. He finished with a .310 average, 197 hits, 54 bombs, 130 RBIs, and 59 steals over 159 games. This historic performance made him the first player in MLB history to join the 50-50 club. Ohtani topped the NL leaderboard in homers and RBIs while finishing second in average and hits.
Last season saw Ozuna’s numbers dip, as he hit .232 with 21 homers and 68 RBIs in 145 games. His career stats now stand at a .269 average, 1,627 hits, 296 home runs, 948 RBIs, and 29 steals over 1,614 games. He’s on the cusp of reaching the 300-homer and 1,000-RBI milestones.
The Pirates, who finished last in the NL Central last season, also ranked dead last with just 117 team homers. This offseason, they’ve made a concerted effort to beef up their lineup, bringing in players like Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe alongside Ozuna.
MLB.com noted that Ozuna’s 2023 campaign as a full-time DH resulted in a .232 average, 21 homers, 68 RBIs, and a .756 OPS. While these numbers represent a decline from his previous two seasons, possibly due to a nagging right hip issue in the first half, Ozuna still performed above league average at the plate.
@@@
SPOTV NEWS
@@@
▲ Marcel Ozuna
@@@
SPOTV News
@@@
▲ Marcel Ozuna
Most Commented