Pirates-Ozuna released to try to help us win

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – When he was signed the Pirates looked to find 2024 Marcell Ozuna (39 HR, 109 RBIs) to be a final piece to a left-handed heavy lineup. What they got was the worst season of his career and Wednesday they released the 35-year-old after signing him to a $12 million contract this offseason.

The right-hander hit just .203 with a .613 OPS with eight home runs in 80 games. He entered June with a .165 average and while he improved, not enough, and his inability to play in the field also limited his usability.

“Really think the world of him,” said Pirates manager Don Kelly calling the move ‘unfortunate’. “I know he didn’t have the season he would like. The thing that stood out to me is way that he continued to work, continued to be a great teammate and his positivity in the clubhouse and how he continued to lead other guys.”

Most notably his impact on Oneil Cruz, Ozuna’s leadership is credited by some to the hot start the centerfielder had. Ozuna always had other players around his locker. No matter what his stats were, it didn’t carry into the clubhouse.

“Just got to a point where we needed a move to open up the DH spot to be able to rotate guys in and out and give us the versatility in a sense of bringing up Ronny,” Kelly said before Wednesday’s game in Milwaukee.

Ronny being Ronny Simon, who was the Pirates most consistent offensive player at AAA Indianapolis this year. The 26-year-old switch-hitter is not a power bat, but hitting .330 with a .419 on-base percentage and .889 OPS with the Indians. He had seven home runs with 26 doubles and 33 stolen bases. He’s also played double-digit games at left, center and right field this season.

Now with Ozuna gone it opens up other lineup possibilities.

“It’s always tough, having been on that side of the fence, you are in the ballpark of what they are feeling,” Kelly said. “It’s the business side of the game and trying to win. Felt like it was the right move to make to give us different options and flexibility in that DH spot.”

Kelly mentioned Bryan Reynolds, Spencer Horwitz, Brandon Lowe and Esmerlyn Valdez are candidates to rotate as the designated hitter.