For veteran players, the trade deadline can serve as a last chance to land with a contender or lock in a meaningful role for the remainder of the season. For others, however, the period right after the deadline often leads to tough roster moves as teams reevaluate their direction.
That reality hit a former Atlanta Braves standout, whose impressive track record wasn’t enough to offset a challenging debut season with his new team. Not long after the deadline passed, his opportunity with the club came to a sudden end.
According to multiple reports on Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Pirates have officially moved on from former Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna after a disappointing campaign.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have released struggling designated hitter Marcell Ozuna,” ESPN reported. “Ozuna, who signed a one-year, $12 million deal prior to the season that included a mutual option for 2027, never provided the offensive punch that the Pirates had hoped for, hitting just .203 with 8 home runs, 29 RBIs and a .613 OPS in 70 games.”
The decision brings a disappointing close to a season that began with hopes of rebuilding value after Ozuna’s six-year run in Atlanta, where he had been one of the National League’s most consistent power hitters. Instead, Pittsburgh chose to move on shortly after the trade deadline rather than continue waiting for a turnaround at the plate. In hindsight, Ozuna appeared to receive plenty of opportunities to prove himself before the team made its decision.
As Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors noted, Ozuna — who signed a one-year, $12 million deal after the Pirates missed out on other options like Kyle Schwarber — never found his rhythm in Pittsburgh. Adams added that it was somewhat surprising the team remained patient with him for as long as it did.
Marcell Ozuna Hits New Low After Atlanta Braves Run Ends
Although Ozuna’s stint in Pittsburgh was short-lived, his time with Atlanta left a lasting impression on Braves fans.
As ESPN highlighted, Ozuna initially joined the Braves in 2020 on a one-year deal and delivered a career-best 1.067 OPS. That performance earned him a four-year, $65 million contract the following year, which also included a club option for 2025. Over the course of his career, he built an impressive résumé, earning three All-Star selections, two Silver Slugger Awards, and a Gold Glove, while also receiving National League MVP votes on four occasions — with his best finish being fourth place in 2024.
During his peak years in Atlanta, Ozuna established himself as one of the National League’s most reliable power hitters, making his struggles in Pittsburgh all the more unexpected. The Pirates had envisioned him as a key run producer in the middle of the lineup after missing out on other offensive targets, but that production never came.
Now 35 and back on the open market, Ozuna will have a chance to catch on with another team if an organization believes his power can still provide value down the stretch. Whether a contender is willing to take that gamble could become one of the more intriguing veteran storylines in the wake of the trade deadline.
