Former Pirates DH Continuing Baseball Career in Dominican Republic

The Pittsburgh Pirates took a step in the right direction in the 2026 season, finishing with an 82-80 record after going 71-91 in 2025. The Pirates made some great moves in the 2025 offseason, but one signing in particular didn't pan out.

Pittsburgh inked designated hitter Marcell Ozuna on a one-year, $12 million deal with a mutual option of $16 million for the 2027 season. The Pirates released him in early August after he struggled in the lineup. He has now found a new opportunity to continue playing, as he signed a deal with the Gigantes Del Cibao in the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League.

Ozuna will look to play well and find his way back on an MLB roster for the 2027 season.

Ozuna appeared in 70 games for the Pirates in 2026, slashing .203/.286/.327 with eight home runs, seven doubles, 29 RBIs, 22 runs, and a .612 OPS. He wasn't close to the player he was in 2024 with the Atlanta Braves, when he was an All-Star and finished fourth in NL MVP voting, slashing .302/.378/.546 with 39 home runs, 31 doubles, 104 RBIs, 96 runs, and a .925 OPS.

The Pirates needed him to be a key power hitter in their lineup, but he didn't perform to the level they expected. It wasn't all bad for Pittsburgh, as their acquisition of Brandon Lowe turned out better than anticipated. 

Lowe was their best hitter all season long, slashing .260/.331/.493 with 35 home runs, 29 doubles, 96 RBIs, 94 runs, and an .824 OPS. However, Lowe is entering free agency, and he will likely have multiple suitors.

The Pirates will need to make a competitive offer to Lowe and hope he returns to the franchise. If Pittsburgh can re-sign Lowe and add another quality bat or two, it would put them in a great position to end their playoff drought.

The Pirates will also hope for some more internal development from Konnor Griffin. Griffin was solid as a rookie for Pittsburgh, appearing in 80 games, slashing .272/.324/.404 with six home runs, 15 doubles, four triples, 33 RBIs, 23 stolen bases, 43 runs, and a .728 OPS.

Griffin has great potential, and if he takes another step, he could be one of their best hitters in the 2027 season. 

The Pirates will need to add more talent to their lineup this offseason, while Ozuna looks to perform well for the Gigantes Del Cibao and earn a spot on an MLB roster.