The trade winds have been swirling, and it turns out the Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, and St. Louis Cardinals were deep in discussions on a three-team deal that could’ve reshaped a few infields around the league.
At the center of it all? Brendan Donovan and Isaac Paredes - two versatile infielders with very different profiles but plenty of value.
Before Donovan was ultimately shipped to the Seattle Mariners last week, the framework of a potential three-way deal would’ve sent him to Houston and Paredes to Boston, according to sources. The Red Sox were also working a separate angle with the Cardinals that could have landed Donovan in Boston via a more straightforward two-team trade. But with Donovan now off the board, Boston’s focus has shifted squarely to Paredes - and the interest is very real.
The Red Sox are actively exploring ways to add a right-handed hitting infielder, and Paredes checks a lot of boxes. He’s coming off a solid 2025 campaign with the Astros, slashing .254/.352/.458 with 20 home runs and 53 RBIs across 102 games.
That’s a strong combination of on-base skills and pop, especially for a player who brings defensive versatility to the table. While he played most of his innings at third base last year, Paredes has logged time at first, second, and shortstop - a Swiss Army knife-type infielder who fits the mold of what modern front offices crave.
Houston, for its part, is open to moving either Paredes or first baseman Christian Walker. But Walker's situation is a little trickier - his contract and limited no-trade clause make him a more complicated piece to move. That makes Paredes the more likely trade chip, and the market is heating up quickly.
Multiple teams are in the mix, with as many as five clubs showing strong interest in Paredes. Alongside Boston, the Pittsburgh Pirates have emerged as another team pushing hard. And with Spring Training just around the corner, urgency is starting to build.
For the Red Sox, the pursuit of Paredes makes sense. They’ve been looking to balance out their lineup with more right-handed power and infield depth.
Paredes brings both, and at 26 years old, he’s still in his prime with room to grow. He’s not the flashiest name on the market, but he’s the kind of player who can quietly make a big impact over the course of a season - especially in a hitter-friendly park like Fenway.
Keep an eye on this one. The Red Sox aren’t done making moves, and Paredes could be the next piece to fall into place.