Long-awaited Marcell Ozuna release coincides with Pirates' latest roster move

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ latest roster move has finally signaled the long-overdue end of the Marcell Ozuna experiment.

On Tuesday night, Alex Stumpf reported that the Pittsburgh Pirates planned to select outfielder Ronny Simon’s contract from Triple-A Indianapolis. Because Simon is not currently on the 40-man roster, Pittsburgh needed to clear spots for him on both the active and 40-man rosters.

Then came the rumor Pirates fans have been waiting months to hear.

Mike Rodriguez reported Wednesday morning that, according to his sources, Pittsburgh had released designated hitter Marcell Ozuna. The Pirates hadn't confirmed the move as of the initial report, but it was later confirmed by multiple sources including Pirates insider Jason Mackey.

Frankly, it would have been difficult to imagine a more obvious — or more overdue — corresponding transaction.

Pirates select contract of Ronny Simon, finally end Marcell Ozuna experiment

Ozuna has been one of the least productive players on Pittsburgh’s roster throughout the season, batting .203 with eight home runs, 29 RBI and a .612 OPS. He has offered no defensive value and minimal base running ability, meaning he needed to hit enough to justify occupying a roster spot. That simply never happened.

The Pirates guaranteed Ozuna $12 million during the offseason, including a $10.5 million salary for 2026 and a $1.5 million buyout attached to his 2027 mutual option. That investment may explain why Pittsburgh gave him so many opportunities, but it stopped being a legitimate reason to keep him weeks (if not months) ago. The money was already spent. Continuing to give Ozuna a roster spot wasn't going to recover any of it.

Simon, meanwhile, has done everything possible to earn another opportunity. The 26-year-old switch-hitter posted a .330/.419/.470 slash line in 99 games for Indianapolis, stealing 33 bases in 40 attempts. He walked in 12% of his plate appearances while striking out only 17% of the time, adding seven home runs, 26 doubles and two triples. He also gained experience at all three outfield positions after undergoing surgery on the shoulder he dislocated with Pittsburgh last season.

Simon may not become an everyday player, but he gives the Pirates speed, defensive flexibility and a disciplined bat off the bench. Those are actual tools manager Don Kelly can use.

Ozuna, by comparison, had become little more than a sunk cost occupying a roster spot on a team attempting to remain in the National League Wild Card race.

The Pirates have now officially ended the Ozuna experiment, clearing the necessary roster space for Simon. The move was long overdue, but Pittsburgh finally chose production and versatility over continuing to carry a costly sunk investment.

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