The Houston Astros have spent the offseason staring down a familiar problem: too much infield talent, not enough spots. And as Spring Training draws near, it looks like the front office is finally ready to make a move-most likely involving Isaac Paredes or Christian Walker.
According to a recent poll of MLB executives, there's growing chatter that Paredes could be on the move soon. Early predictions centered around other names, but as the poll wrapped up, Paredes’ name started gaining serious traction. That late surge in executive votes suggests something’s brewing-and fast.
Let’s break it down.
Why Paredes? Why now?
The Astros are clearly trying to resolve their infield logjam, and while Christian Walker might be the more obvious candidate to ship out, his contract complicates things. He’s owed $40 million over the next two seasons, and that kind of financial commitment can be tough to move, especially for a player who doesn’t offer the same flexibility or upside as Paredes.
Paredes, on the other hand, checks a lot of boxes for teams looking to upgrade. He’s just about to turn 27, he’s under club control for two more seasons, and he’s coming off a solid 2025 campaign: a .254 average, .809 OPS, 20 home runs, and 2.3 bWAR in just 102 games. That’s the kind of production that plays-especially when it comes at a relatively affordable price.
And here’s the kicker: Paredes isn’t just locked into third base. He can handle second and first as well, giving any team that acquires him some real lineup versatility. That kind of flexibility is gold in today’s game, where roster construction is all about adaptability and maximizing matchups.
The Astros’ Dilemma
From Houston’s perspective, this is a classic case of having more talent than room. They’ve got infielders who need reps, and someone’s got to go.
While Walker’s power bat is valuable, the contract makes him harder to move. Paredes, with his age, control, and positional versatility, is simply the more attractive trade chip right now.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the Astros want to move him. But sometimes, the best move is the one that brings back the most value-and in this case, that might mean parting ways with a player who still has upside and won’t be easy to replace.
What’s Next?
Keep an eye on the rumor mill. The fact that executives suddenly started voting for Paredes in that poll suggests something has shifted behind the scenes. Trade talks appear to be gaining momentum, and with Spring Training about to get underway, the Astros may want to get a deal done sooner rather than later.
For fans, this is the time to watch closely. The Astros have a chance to clean up their infield picture and potentially bring back a piece that helps elsewhere on the roster. Whether it’s Paredes or Walker who ultimately gets moved, the front office seems ready to make a decision-and it could come any day now.
Bottom line: Isaac Paredes is the name to watch. He’s young, productive, affordable, and versatile. And right now, he might just be the most tradable infielder in baseball.