The Pittsburgh Pirates made some big moves in the offseason and one of them was signing veteran Marcell Ozuna to a one-year 12 million contract. The $deal seemed like a really good idea when it happened because of how much Pittsburgh needed a guy with power but the righty has struggled so far this season.
Through the start of the season, Ozuna has a .070 batting average and just three hits. He also has zero home runs and zero RBIs and has an on base percentage of .165 and he has struck out 12 times. The 35 year old has even gotten booed by the home crowd at PNC Park because of his slow start.
I am all for giving people time and being patient but what is making this really frustrating is that Pittsburgh had a guy in Andrew McCutchen who could’ve been their DH if they just signed him to a cheap, one-year deal.
McCutchen was a free agent and the Bucs decided not to re-sign the fan favorite player. Instead, the 39-year-old signed a Minor League contract with the Texas Rangers. Where he has played pretty well through the season’s start, certainly better than Ozuna.
The former Pirate has 9 hits, 1 home run, and 7 RBIs early in the season. He also has a .429 batting average with 3 doubles. His strong performance is bringing up the burning question. Why didn’t Pittsburgh re-sign Andrew McCutchen ?
I understand that McCutchen is nearly 40 years old nd he wouldn’t be able to play everyday but they could’ve signed him for a whole lot cheaper and they would’ve gotten someone who would actually be producing on the field. With Ozuna at DH it slows the team down and it limits how flexible manager Don Kelly can be with the lineup.
It’s frustrating watching a Pirates great play well in Texas when Pittsburgh could’ve easily just signed him. McCutchen had a .239 batting average with 13 home runs and 57 RBIs last season, which is solid. The Buccos don’t even need Cutch to be an everyday DH, with players like Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’hearn and even Spencer Horowitz being capable of filling that role.
I know it’s early in the season, but I believe the Bucs made a mistake with signing Ozuna. It would’ve been nice to see McCutchen as the DH and be able to retire as a Pirate instead of watching Ozuna struggle.
Comment if you think the Pirates made a mistake signing Ozuna over McCutchen as the DH.
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