Pirates release Marcell Ozuna, clearing a designated-hitter slot for Ronny Simon

The Pittsburgh Pirates released Marcell Ozuna on Wednesday, ending his time in the organization and bringing a swift close to a season that never quite matched expectations. Ozuna, who had been signed this offseason for $12 million, entered the year with the role of everyday power bat as a designated hitter and never found the consistency the contract suggested. In 70 games, he hit.203 and posted a.612 OPS, numbers that left the Pirates searching for more reliable production as the schedule tightened.

For the Pirates, the decision functions less like a one-game roster tweak and more like a reset. Designated hitter is a spot that can concentrate offensive responsibility, and when a player does not deliver there, every subsequent at-bat becomes heavier for both the lineup and the bullpen. Releasing Ozuna also indicates that Pittsburgh is willing to move quickly rather than extend the experiment while the club continues to plan around a long-term roster identity.

The Pirates also made clear what comes next. Ronny Simon is expected to take the roster spot created by the release, according to the team’s transaction reporting. While Simon’s role within Pittsburgh’s day-to-day plan is not fully detailed in the transaction announcement, the implication is straightforward: Pittsburgh intends to use the available roster opening to find a different offensive or lineup fit rather than carry a struggling bat at the position.

Ozuna’s departure is framed as the end of a “frustrating” stretch for both sides. That characterization reflects the reality that a midyear release is rarely a clean outcome. Even when a team chooses to move on, the optics can be difficult, particularly for a player who arrived on a sizable figure and was expected to contribute immediately.

From a roster-construction standpoint, the Pirates’ move comes with practical consequences. The designated hitter spot, even for teams that rotate occasionally, still affects how managers build lineups around specific matchups. Replacing Ozuna with Simon changes the offensive profile the Pirates can present, and it also affects how the club’s bench is used, since a released veteran frees up not just a body but also a set of tactical assumptions.

For Ozuna, the release ends his tenure in Pittsburgh and places his next step back in his control, whether that becomes a return to another organization or a different path within the sport. The transaction also underscores the volatility of MLB production at the plate. A player can be given a clear role, paid accordingly, and still see that role taken away when results lag.

As the Pirates turn toward the remainder of the 2026 season, the key watch item is how quickly Simon integrates into Pittsburgh’s lineup rhythm. If the club’s intent is to improve performance at the designated hitter position, Pittsburgh will likely look for better at-bats in the aggregate, even if it takes some time to establish a stable daily pattern.