The Pittsburgh Pirates have been making waves this offseason, strategically bolstering their roster around their ace, Paul Skenes. One standout acquisition is Marcell Ozuna, the former Atlanta Braves designated hitter, who inked a one-year, $12 million deal with the Pirates.
Ozuna, despite a challenging season last year with a .232 batting average, 21 home runs, and 68 RBIs, remains a formidable power hitter. His presence in the heart of Pittsburgh's lineup is expected to be significant. The contract, though short-term, is packed with incentives that could make it quite rewarding for Ozuna.
The deal includes a $16 million mutual option for 2027, which, if exercised, transforms it into a two-year, $28 million contract. Additionally, Ozuna stands to gain from a series of performance-based bonuses.
These incentives cover a range of achievements, from MVP honors to Silver Slugger awards. Interestingly, there's even a Gold Glove incentive, though Ozuna is not known for his fielding prowess.
For the Pirates, this contract is low-risk. If Ozuna struggles, they have the flexibility to move on.
However, a strong performance could not only boost Ozuna's earnings but also extend his tenure with the team. This strategic move by Pittsburgh could pay dividends if Ozuna taps into his power-hitting potential.