MLB rumors: Pirates add Marcell Ozuna, Astros still shopping Isaac Paredes

Happy baseball season! OK, it isn’t really baseball season just yet, but a lot of people can pretend that’s the case as pitchers and catchers start reporting to camp. That means there’s reason for all 30 fan bases to be excited. 

The morning in MLB news started with a trade that sent Caleb Durbin to the Red Sox and Kyle Harrison to the Brewers as part of a six-player trade. 

For more, let’s get to it. 

Pirates add more offense

The Pirates finished dead last in the majors in runs scored last season and have attacked the offense this offseason. They already added second baseman Brandon Lowe via trade and outfielder Ryan O’Hearn in free agency. On Monday, they agreed to a pact with free-agent designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, per the New York Post.

Ozuna was one of the best sluggers in the majors in 2023-24, but took a step back last season, hitting .232/.355/.400 (113 OPS+) with 21 homers and 68 RBI in 592 plate appearances. He’s now 35 years old, but the Pirates are hoping he’ll return to form in 2026.

Astros continue to discuss dealing Paredes

Now that Jose Altuve moved back to second base and Carlos Correa is back at third, the Astros have an extra infielder. As such, third baseman Isaac Paredes’ name continues to surface in trade rumors. The latest is that the Astros had “serious discussions” about a three-team trade that would have sent Paredes to the Red Sox with Brendan Donovan headed to Houston. Donovan has already been deal to the Mariners and the Red Sox acquired Durbin, but this rumor remains interesting just for the notion that Paredes is available. The report notes that Astros first baseman Christian Walker is also being shopped.