The Pittsburgh Pirates' lineup looks much deeper after reportedly adding Marcell Ozuna.
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ offseason of spending continued right up to the start of spring training, with the organization reportedly agreeing to a one-year, $12 million deal with Marcell Ozuna.
With Ozuna’s addition, the Pirates add a much-needed right-handed slugger to add to the their lineup. Now, it’s time to start sorting through and seeing how all the pieces fit together.
Here's what FanGraphs is projecting Pittsburgh’s lineup to look like after adding Ozuna in the mix:
- 1B - Spencer Horwitz
- 2B - Brandon Lowe
- RF - Bryan Reynolds
- LF - Ryan O’Hearn
- DH - Marcell Ozuna
- CF - Oneil Cruz
- SS - Nick Gonzales
- 3B - Jared Triolo
- C - Joey Bart
Jun 17, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna (20) hits an RBI double against the New York Mets in the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesFanGraphs immediately views Ozuna as the team’s starting designated hitter, and that’s where the 35-year-old will see the majority of his playing time. Earlier in his career, Ozuna did see some time in the outfield, but he’s been primarily a DH the last three seasons, and that likely won’t change even with a new team.
Ozuna only hitting does create some challenges for the Pirates, as it means they can't have all their best players in the lineup at the same time.
Ryan O’Hearn would’ve seen a lot of time at DH, but Ozuna’s addition will push him into the outfield, which will like take newly acquired Jake Mangum out of a starting role. It also could force Bryan Reynolds back to right field with O’Hean being more of an option in left field.
Sacrificing some defense to improve the lineup is a risk the Pirates should be willing to take.
After Ozuna, O’Hearn, and Lowe’s additions, the Pirates' lineup is looking much more dangerous than it did at the end of the 2025 season. Plus, the proven hitters should help and take pressure off some of the other younger players, such as Oneil Cruz and Horwitz.
Is Pittsburgh’s lineup good enough to make a playoff push?
We’ll see.
That said, with the upgrades made on offense, the Pirates have likely taken themselves out of the running for having the worst OPS in MLB for a consecutive season. And with an average lineup, and pitching staff as good as Pittsburgh’s, it wouldn’t be shocking if this team is in the playoff hunt or picture come September.
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