This budding Pirates star may be the real winner of the Marcell Ozuna signing

The Pirates signed Marcell Ozuna to add some pop to a team that scored fewer runs than anyone else, including the hapless Rockies, in 2025. The veteran slugger may provide the Bucs a boost with more than just his bat. On his first day with the squad, Ozuna jumped at the chance to work with the young players, specifically Oneil Cruz.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ozuna quipped that “If [Cruz] does the work that we’re going to do, maybe he can do some damage this year — more than years past.” It’s true that Cruz has light-tower power, but he has lacked the consistency of a truly great hitter.

If what Ozuna predicts comes true, we could be looking at a whole new Pirates offense.

Marcell Ozuna sees big things in store for Oneil Cruz in 2026

Cruz already seems willing to “do the work” as Ozuna put it. He’s putting in time this spring facing lefty pitching, an area that has caused him challenges in the past. Ozuna could help in this capacity; he has historically been a balanced hitter with slightly better numbers against lefties than righties. Ozuna has already connected with Cruz as the pair were photographed stretching and tossing together at the spring training grounds.

Ozuna has been a source of boundless energy since he debuted with the Marlins in 2013. He’s earned rave reviews as a clubhouse presence from veterans like Chris Sale. He’s a big presence literally and figuratively; they call him “Big Bear” for a reason. He may be able to help Cruz understand how to use his big personality and bigger stature more successfully.

Ozuna may not be the only vet pumping up Cruz this offseason. The youngster is on the Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic roster. He’ll have the privilege of playing under manager Albert Pujols and alongside veterans such as Manny Machado. Even if he just sits back and watches, he’s likely to pick up a few tricks among such vaunted company.

Even though Cruz is just 27 years old, it still feels like time is running out for him to unlock his full potential. On his good days, he’s one of the most dazzling players in the sport, but those days have been few and far between. Let’s hope that the veterans around him this spring, starting with Ozuna, change that narrative.