Marcell Ozuna cut by Pirates during career-worst season with MLB future now uncertain

The Pirates are shaking things up in their lineup.Marcell Ozuna, whom Pittsburgh signed last February to a one-year, $12 million contract, was released by the team Wednesday it looks to keep pace in a challenging NL Wild Card race.Pittsburgh is 3 1/2 back of the last Wild Card spot, with the Marlins and Padres also chasing the Cubs, Phillies and Diamondbacks, in that respective order.Ozuna hadn’t been much of a factor for the Pirates of late, falling out of lineup in favor of rookie sensation Esmerlyn Valdez, who has come up and been a revelation for the team.Valdez has an obscene 14 home runs in 150 at-bats since being promoted to the big leagues.Meanwhile, Ozuna has struggled and is limited to only designated hitter duties.Ozuna, known as a power hitter who produced multiple 100-plus-RBI seasons as recently as 2024 with the Braves, has eight home runs in 251 at-bats this season while hitting a paltry .203.It’s likely he’ll clear waivers since teams won’t want to pick up the balance on his contract.Ozuna served as the cleanup hitter for the Pirates when they opened their season at Citi Field, but had been batting sixth in recent weeks and had a .216 average in July spanning 37 at-bats.Pittsbrugh revamped its roster at the trade deadline when it traded for reliever Luke Weaver, who figures to become their closer, plus Camilo Doval....