Marcell Ozuna had a down year in 2025, but is just a season removed from finishing in the top-4 in NL MVP voting. As he hits MLB free agency this offseason, it will be interesting to see the types of offers that the 35-year-old commands, given his advancing age and uniquely aging skill set.
3 MLB Teams That Could Sign Marcell Ozuna In 2026
Which teams might be interested in bringing him into the fold? We take a look at three possible destinations for Ozuna this winter:
Atlanta Braves
Ozuna’s numbers have been a rollercoaster throughout his career, but some of his best days have come as a member of the Braves. He has been with the organization since 2020, and was an All-Star and MVP candidate as recently as the 2024 campaign. Atlanta already knows he fits their clubhouse, their hitting philosophy, and their ballpark, so a re-signing wouldn’t come as much of a surprise this offseason.
The Braves rarely win bidding wars on top-tier free agents, but they excel at making efficient, short-term, or medium-term deals. Ozuna will be 35 entering the next season, likely limiting long-term offers from other clubs. This could put Atlanta in position to bring him back on a team-friendly contract compared to what a younger player might command.
The team’s president of baseball operations was recently quoted saying “we haven’t closed the door on guys like Marcell Ozuna”.
New York Mets
The Mets routinely have one of the highest payrolls in baseball, and not a whole lot of results to show for it. It is unclear what type of spending they plan on doing this MLB offseason, but Ozuna would make for a logical choice as far as their budget goes.
New York has rotated players through the DH role without finding a long-term answer. Ozuna fits perfectly as a full-time DH who can also play left field in a pinch, and brings 30–40 home run potential and the ability to carry an offense for stretches. If Pete Alonso re-signs with the Mets, Ozuna could provide even more legitimate lineup protection.
President of Baseball Operations David Stearns prefers flexibility to long-term, high-risk contracts. Ozuna, entering his mid-30s, is likely to command a shorter deal with high AAV rather than a lengthy commitment.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates are notoriously low spenders, who are also in serious need of upgrades to their offense. They finished with 117 home runs in 2025, 31 fewer than any other MLB team, and had the third-worst overall batting average. Their DH spot was manned by 38-year-old Andrew McCutchen, who is a free agent and likely departing himself, leaving an opening in the lineup.
A signing of Ozuna would provide a quick and cost-effective upgrade. Pittsburgh is trying to transition from rebuilding to competing, and he is exactly the type of free-agent swing the Pirates could take without committing to long-term risk.
