The Pittsburgh Pirates have released designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, ESPN confirmed. Ozuna, a veteran who signed a one-year, $12 million deal with the Pirates after the team missed out on other offseason targets like Kyle Schwarber, struggled significantly during his time in Pittsburgh, hitting just .203 with eight home runs.
Per MLB Trade Rumors, Ozuna never found his footing with the club after the Pirates made him one of their larger offseason acquisitions. The release represents an early exit from what was intended as a one-year commitment.