Isaac Paredes, the two-time All-Star infielder for the Houston Astros, has become a key figure in ongoing trade discussions, with at least five teams reportedly exploring deals, including the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates, according to Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. While Boston has been linked to Paredes throughout the winter as part of its pursuit of infield reinforcements, the Pirates’ involvement represents a new development in the market for the 28-year-old.
Boston’s search for infield help has dominated its offseason strategy, with names such as Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, Ketel Marte, Eugenio Suarez, Nico Hoerner, and Brendan Donovan all considered at various points. In Donovan’s case, the Red Sox reportedly explored a three-team trade with the Astros and Cardinals that would have sent Paredes to Boston, Donovan to Houston, and a package of prospects to St. Louis.
That deal ultimately fell through after the Cardinals completed a separate three-team swap with the Mariners and Rays, sending Donovan to Seattle instead. The Cardinals received pitching prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje, two other prospects, and two 2026 Competitive Balance Round B draft picks. The availability of these tradable draft picks may have influenced St. Louis’s decision to favor that transaction over the Red Sox-Houston proposal.
Red Sox And Astros Consider Trade Involving Paredes To Balance Rosters
Had the Red Sox deal gone through, Paredes would have slotted in as Boston’s everyday third baseman, providing right-handed balance to the lineup and potentially allowing Marcelo Mayer to move into second base. Donovan would have become Houston’s everyday left fielder, complementing a strong infield of Carlos Correa at third, Jeremy Pena at shortstop, Jose Altuve at second, and Christian Walker at first. However, the addition of Paredes could have created some redundancy in the Astros’ infield, particularly if everyone remained healthy.
Isaac Paredes (MLB)Houston general manager Dana Brown has repeatedly indicated the team is comfortable with its infield depth, though recent reports suggest that some level of gamesmanship may be at play. Paredes and Walker are the Astros’ primary trade candidates, with Paredes considered the more likely to move. Walker’s three-year, $60 million contract and six-team no-trade clause complicate potential trades.
Additionally, Walker is entering his age-35 season and posted a modest .238/.297/.421 line over 640 plate appearances in 2025. Paredes, in contrast, despite missing nearly two months with a hamstring injury, performed well when healthy, hitting .254/.352/.458 across 438 plate appearances.
For Houston, trading Paredes could address their infield surplus while adding a needed left-handed bat to the outfield. Boston could supply such a player, with outfielder Jarren Duran often viewed as the most likely trade candidate.
However, the Astros reportedly prefer Wilyer Abreu due to his cost control, as Duran is set to earn $7.7 million in 2026 with rising arbitration salaries over the next two years. Discussions could involve the Red Sox directly, or potentially a third team to facilitate a mutually beneficial trade.
Paredes Draws Interest From Pirates, Red Sox, And Multiple Contending MLB Teams
Pittsburgh represents a unique option for Paredes. The Pirates have been active in the offseason, acquiring Brandon Lowe and Jake Mangum in a three-team trade with the Astros and Rays, signing Ryan O’Hearn, and adding Jhostynxon Garcia to their outfield.
Paredes would address a significant hole at third base, providing a stronger offensive option than projected starter Jared Triolo, who has struggled at the plate with a .221/.303/.334 line over 822 plate appearances in 2024-25. However, the Pirates’ outfield depth and potential fit for Houston remain unclear, as players like Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, Mangum, and Jack Suwinski may not match Houston’s needs or be available.
Beyond Boston and Pittsburgh, other teams may also express interest in Paredes. Contenders or potential playoff teams needing upgrades at first or third base could participate, particularly if they can facilitate a multi-team trade. On paper, the Brewers, Tigers, Marlins, Diamondbacks, and Athletics represent logical possibilities, either as direct trade partners or as intermediaries in a three-team deal. The widespread interest underscores Paredes’ value as a right-handed infielder who can provide both defensive stability and offensive balance.
Isaac Paredes is at the center of a complex trade market involving multiple contenders and prospective buyers. The Red Sox, in pursuit of an everyday third baseman, and the Pirates, seeking offensive upgrades at the hot corner, are the most prominent suitors.
Houston, balancing infield depth and financial considerations, may leverage Paredes’ strong performance and relative cost efficiency to improve roster flexibility or acquire left-handed outfield help. While no deal is finalized, the coming weeks could see Paredes moved either directly between Houston and Boston, facilitated by a third team, or elsewhere entirely, highlighting the dynamic nature of offseason roster construction in Major League Baseball.
