As the Houston Astros gear up for Opening Day, they're still eyeing some roster tweaks. The team is on the hunt for a backup catcher, a left-handed bat in the outfield, and a way to untangle the infield situation involving Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes. Astros GM Dana Brown has been vocal about ongoing trade discussions, but finding the right partner is proving tricky.
Zach Rymer from Bleacher Report has floated a potential trade scenario for the Astros, suggesting a familiar name: Jarren Duran from the Red Sox. Duran could be the left-handed hitter Houston's looking for.
However, a deal with Boston seems like a long shot now. Earlier on, the Astros were in talks with the Red Sox and Cardinals, eyeing a swap that would send Paredes to Boston and bring Cardinals' All-Star Brendan Donovan to Houston. But with Donovan now a Mariner and Boston's recent trades for Caleb Durbin and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the landscape has shifted.
The Red Sox's interest in Paredes appears to have cooled, and while they're in the market for pitching, the Astros' farm system isn't exactly overflowing with pitching talent. Plus, Houston had shown a preference for Wilyer Abreu over Duran in any potential deal with Boston.
Barring a move for a backup catcher, it looks like the Astros might start the season with some unresolved roster questions. But in the ever-changing world of spring training, surprises can happen, so it's always wise to stay tuned.