The Pittsburgh Pirates, who ranked last in runs scored across Major League Baseball last year, have been active in improving their offense this offseason. They previously acquired second baseman Brandon Lowe via trade and signed outfielder Ryan O’Hearn as a free agent. Most recently, on Monday, the Pirates agreed to a deal with veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, according to the New York Post.
Ozuna, once one of the top power hitters in the league during 2023 and early 2024, experienced a decline last season, finishing with a .232 batting average, a .355 on-base percentage, and a .400 slugging percentage. Despite hitting 21 home runs and driving in 68 runs over 592 plate appearances, his production slipped from earlier years. Now 35 years old, the Pirates hope Ozuna can regain his previous form and add much-needed potency to their lineup in 2026.
Astros Evaluate Trade Options Involving Isaac Paredes
With Jose Altuve returning to the second base position and Carlos Correa anchoring third base for the Houston Astros, the team currently has a surplus of infielders. Amid this shift, third baseman Isaac Paredes has appeared prominently in ongoing trade discussions. Notably, the Astros engaged in serious talks about a three-team trade proposal that would have sent Paredes to the Boston Red Sox while bringing Brendan Donovan to Houston. Though Donovan has since been traded to the Seattle Mariners and the Red Sox acquired Caleb Durbin, the speculation around Paredes’ availability persists.
Additionally, Astros first baseman Christian Walker is reportedly being shopped around as the team looks to adjust their roster. These moves reflect Houston’s intent to optimize positioning and balance their infield roster ahead of the new season.
Offseason Moves Signal Major Roster Adjustments Across MLB
The trade involving Caleb Durbin to the Red Sox and Kyle Harrison to the Brewers earlier Monday marked the beginning of an active offseason among teams trying to strengthen key areas. As pitchers and catchers report to camp, all 30 MLB teams are gearing up for the coming season with strategic acquisitions and trades, aiming to improve their chances for success.
The developments surrounding the Pirates’ offensive upgrades and the Astros’ trade deliberations illustrate how teams are closely managing their rosters to address weaknesses and capitalize on surplus talent. Fans should expect further trade activity in the coming weeks as clubs continue to finalize their lineups.
Marcell Ozuna to the Pirates. $12M. Pending physical
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 9, 2026
