MLB Trade Rumors: 5 players Astros should acquire

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Apr 13, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Marcell Ozuna (13) rounds the bases after hitting a grand slam in the first inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Marcell Ozuna, OF, Marlins

You get it, the Astros need/want at least one more starter, and there are plenty of available options ranging from aces to All-Stars, veteran rentals to damaged goods. But what about the need to improve the team’s defense? Add a power bat in left field? Maybe secure the services of a Dave Roberts/Jarrod Dyson type capable of stealing a base as a pinch runner when everyone in the ballpark knows he is going to steal?

Houston is sure to make a small move in July, or even August, to add a bench player capable of doing some of those things. Toronto’s Darwin Barney could help the infield defense as a late-inning replacement Ryan Schimpf, the Padres infielder with big power and an insane fly ball ratio could be a nice left-handed power option off the bench. But an available player that could add an immediate impact to the lineup is Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna.

A powerful right-handed hitter, Ozuna would be a perfect fit in Houston with the short porch in left field at Minute Maid Park. Ozuna is off to a great start this season, is just 26 years old and still has two years of arbitration left, so he would cost a lot in terms of prospects, but he might be worth it.

So far this season, Ozuna is hitting .302/.379/.564 with 11 home runs and 29 RBI in 40 games. He was an All-Star in 2016 after hitting .307/.360/.533 with 17 homers and 47 RBI in the first half, but cooled considerably (.209/.267/.342 with six homers and 29 RBI) after the break.

Ozuna has played all three outfield positions, and fits best in left, which has been his primary spot this year. He’s not a Gold Glover, but Ozuna’s 0.7 ranks No. 15 among MLB left fielders in defense this season.

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Also, if the Astros can put together a package with the Marlins for Ozuna, they may be able to add a couple other valuable pieces as well, such as Edinson Volquez, Martin Prado, A.J. Ramos or Brad Ziegler to bolster the roster in multiple areas for their impending pennant run.

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