The Houston Astros have been busy this offseason, bolstering their rotation with the additions of Mike Burrows via trade and Japanese standout Tatsuya Imai in a splashy free-agent signing. That’s two solid arms added to the mix, but while the pitching staff is taking shape, the infield remains a bit of a puzzle.
Right now, Houston’s infield is crowded-talented, but crowded. And in situations like this, someone usually gets squeezed out.
Christian Walker might be the name that jumps out as the odd man out, but it’s Isaac Paredes who’s drawing the most trade buzz. And there’s one potential partner that seems to have the Astros’ full attention: the Boston Red Sox.
According to reports, Houston would "jump" at the opportunity to flip Paredes in exchange for outfielder Jarren Duran. And honestly, it’s easy to see why.
Duran would be a major get for the Astros. A left-handed bat with speed and athleticism, he’d be an instant upgrade to Houston’s outfield, which could use a jolt of energy and production. His ability to cover ground defensively and create havoc on the basepaths would bring a dynamic edge to the Astros’ lineup-something they’ve lacked in recent seasons.
But here’s the catch: a straight-up swap of Paredes for Duran might not be enough to get it done.
Paredes brings value-no question. He posted a 115 OPS+ last season, showing he can hold his own at the plate.
He’s got pop, he’s versatile across the infield, and his right-handed power would play nicely in Fenway Park, especially with the Green Monster looming in left. But he’s also a one-year rental, and his defensive metrics leave something to be desired.
That’s a tough sell for a Red Sox team that’s looking for longer-term stability and more well-rounded contributors.
So while Houston might be all-in on making this deal happen, Boston appears less convinced. The fit just isn’t as clean for the Red Sox, who are likely to explore other infield options before circling back to Paredes.
Still, the framework of the deal makes sense from Houston’s perspective. They need to clear up their infield, and they need an outfield upgrade. Duran checks a lot of boxes, and if the Astros are willing to sweeten the pot a bit-maybe by attaching a prospect or another piece-this could be a win-win.
For now, it’s a situation worth watching. The Astros are clearly motivated, and when a team with their pedigree sets their sights on a target, it usually means they’re serious about making it happen.