The Pittsburgh Pirates have stepped back from pursuing Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes during this offseason after committing $12 million to another player. This move signals a shift in their roster plans as the Pirates appear to be approaching their payroll ceiling.
Initially, the Pirates were seen as serious contenders for adding Paredes to strengthen their batting lineup. However, after signing veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna to a one-year deal worth $12 million, the team’s financial flexibility has become more restricted. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal suggests that this spending spree effectively ends Pittsburgh’s pursuit of Paredes.
If you had to guess, are the Pirates out on Paredes now? If I had to guess, the answer to that is yes, they are out,
Rosenthal said. “And the reason is that they’re probably at their payroll limit, or close to it. Paredes is not necessarily that costly of a player. I don’t have his salary or projected salary for 2026 in front of me, but he would add to that payroll.
Now, should the Pirates be out on Paredes? They absolutely should not. They should go get Paredes. If they get him to play third base, to me, this is a wild-card contender. They might even be that right now. But I just don’t know whether, after giving Marcell Ozuna $12 million for this year, they have enough money left in their budget.
Besides the Pirates, Paredes has also been linked to a potential three-team trade involving the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals. In this scenario, Brendan Donovan could be moved to Houston, while Paredes would head to Boston.
Phillies Seek Starting Pitcher to Bolster Rotation Before Season Start
The Philadelphia Phillies are actively pursuing additional starting pitching options for the upcoming 2026 season, particularly as their ace, Zack Wheeler, is expected to miss Opening Day due to injury. Manager Rob Thompson confirmed Wheeler will not be recovered in time, adding urgency to the Phillies’ search for pitching depth.
President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has emphasized the team’s intention to enhance their rotation, expecting both the trade and free-agent markets to stay lively through spring training. The Phillies’ probable Opening Day roster currently includes pitchers Aaron Nola, Jesus Luzardo, Christopher Sanchez, and Taijuan Walker, but the front office wants more reinforcement.
Implications of These Moves on Team Trajectories
The Pirates’ decision to prioritize Marcell Ozuna over Isaac Paredes highlights their budget constraints and could impact their ability to contend in the competitive NL Central division. Though Paredes would have provided a significant offensive boost, Pittsburgh’s financial limits force them into difficult choices that may curtail their aspirations this season. The potential three-team trade involving the Red Sox and Cardinals also adds complexity, suggesting multiple organizations are maneuvering aggressively to improve their rosters.
On the other hand, the Phillies’ pursuit of starting pitching underlines the fragility of their rotation with Zack Wheeler sidelined. Their active market participation signals a pragmatic approach to maintain competitiveness in a strong NL East. Bringing in additional arms could stabilize their pitching staff and bolster their postseason chances.
As Spring Training progresses, both teams’ strategies will be under close observation, with the Pirates’ payroll moves suggesting a cautious approach, while the Phillies continue searching for vital rotation pieces amid uncertainty. The evolving trade landscape and roster adjustments will play critical roles in shaping the 2026 MLB season’s competitive balance.
The Pirates are likely out on Isaac Paredes after giving $12M to Marcell Ozuna, says @Ken_Rosenthal.
"They're probably at their payroll limit, or at least close to it." pic.twitter.com/OybIRBMjOu
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 9, 2026
Dave Dombrowski says the Phillies will look for starting pitching depth this spring and anticipates there will be more trade activity than usual with the late developing free-agent market https://t.co/6qYw0WvkwZ
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 9, 2026
