The Pittsburgh Pirates made one final offseason splash before spring training starts this week, agreeing to a one-year, $12 million contract with free-agent slugger Marcell Ozuna on Monday.
Ozuna would be the third All-Star hitter the Pirates have acquired this season, giving their lineup some much-needed thump along with Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn.
A three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner, Ozuna would be an exciting addition for Pittsburgh that caps off the team’s stellar offseason.
Adding Ozuna does come with a downside, however, as it likely signals the end of Andrew McCutchen’s tenure with the Pirates.
Ozuna is a 35-year-old right-handed DH, while McCutchen is a 39-year-old right-handed DH. Pittsburgh probably doesn’t have room for both on its roster, but GM Ben Cherington hasn’t ruled out McCutchen’s return as of Tuesday.
“I don’t think the Pirates…will completely shut the door on Andrew McCutchen. That’s just how we feel about him. That’s not going to happen,” Cherington told Colin Beazley of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
McCutchen, who is still a free agent, has expressed a desire to play this season. He wanted to return to the Pirates, where he’s spent the last three years and 12 of his 17 MLB seasons.
Pittsburgh didn’t re-sign the former NL MVP, however, who grew frustrated throughout the winter. A reunion is still possible, but now seems less likely with Ozuna coming aboard.
Following the Ozuna news on Monday, McCutchen changed the profile pictures on his social media accounts, which were previously images of him in a Pirates jersey.
If this is the end of McCutchen’s time with Pittsburgh, it’s been a heck of a run. He’s been the franchise’s most important player since Barry Bonds left, making five All-Star teams with the Pirates and leading them to three playoff appearances. He aged gracefully after returning three years ago and continued to lead by example, helping prepare the next generation of Buccos.
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