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Ozuna's Struggles: Pirates' Big Signing Falling Short?
4 Jul
Summary
- Marcel Ozuna's 2026 season OPS is a career-low .610.
- His walk rate has significantly dropped to 9.7 percent.
- Ozuna is aware of his struggles and working to improve.
The Pittsburgh Pirates' significant offseason acquisition, veteran designated hitter Marcel Ozuna, has struggled to deliver expected power to the team's lineup halfway through the 2026 season. Ozuna's performance has been hampered by a .610 OPS and only seven home runs, accompanied by concerning statistics such as a 30.7% strikeout rate and a 32% whiff rate.
While Ozuna's walk rate has historically been strong, it has noticeably declined to 9.7 percent in 2026, indicating increased pressure at the plate. The 35-year-old acknowledged his timing issues, stating, "My timing has been off." He is actively working on his swing in practice, aiming to improve.
Despite his offensive struggles, Ozuna's experience remains a valuable asset to the young Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse. He remains optimistic about finding his rhythm in the second half of the season, working to leave his mark on the team.
