The Astros and Isaac Paredes won’t be heading to an arbitration hearing after all. The club and the versatile infielder have agreed to a one-year deal worth $9.35 million, right in the middle of the figures exchanged by both sides - Houston at $8.75 million and Paredes’ camp at $9.95 million.
It’s a clean resolution that avoids the tension of arbitration, and there’s a bit more baked into the deal: a $13.35 million club option for 2027. That option could shift to a mutual option if Paredes finishes in the top 10 of MVP voting - a nice incentive kicker that also aligns with how many teams handle post-deadline agreements.
Even if the option isn’t picked up, Houston still retains control over Paredes via arbitration for 2027.
Paredes, who turns 27 soon, landed in Houston last winter in the blockbuster that sent Kyle Tucker packing. And while his first year in an Astros uniform was interrupted by a hamstring injury that sidelined him for nearly two months, he still made his presence felt. In 438 plate appearances, Paredes hit 20 home runs and slashed .254/.352/.458 - solid production, especially considering the missed time.
But the infield picture in Houston has gotten crowded - fast. While Paredes was rehabbing, the Astros brought back Carlos Correa in a midseason deal with the Twins.
Correa slotted in at third base, a nod to Jeremy Peña’s strong hold on the shortstop job. So when Paredes returned in late September, he found himself part of a logjam more than a lineup.
Looking ahead to 2026, that traffic jam hasn’t cleared up. Altuve’s brief experiment in left field didn’t stick, and he’s expected to return to his natural home at second base.
Christian Walker, despite a disappointing debut season in Houston, is still under contract for two more years at $40 million - meaning he’ll likely continue to man first base. Yordan Alvarez will get occasional reps in left field, but most of his time will still come at DH.
And top prospect Brice Matthews, a middle infielder by trade, could be pushed to the outfield just to find at-bats.
So where does that leave Paredes? Right now, he doesn’t have a locked-in position.
But that doesn’t mean he’s without value. Injuries are inevitable over a 162-game grind, and Paredes’ ability to move around the infield makes him an ideal plug-and-play option.
He can spell Correa at third, Altuve at second, Walker at first, and even give Alvarez a breather at DH. And considering Correa and Alvarez both have lengthy injury histories, it’s not hard to imagine Paredes logging meaningful playing time - even if he doesn’t open the season as a starter.
There’s been some chatter about a potential trade, especially with so many infielders and not enough spots. But GM Dana Brown has made it clear: there’s no urgency to move anyone. Unless a team is willing to take on the remaining $40 million owed to Walker - which, after his down year, seems unlikely - the Astros appear content to let things play out organically.
This marks Paredes’ third trip through arbitration as a Super Two player. He’ll be eligible once more next winter before hitting free agency after the 2027 season - unless, of course, that club or mutual option for 2027 kicks in.
As for catcher Yainer Diaz, his arbitration case was heard yesterday. Diaz, entering his first year of eligibility, submitted a $4.5 million figure, while the Astros countered at $3 million. A decision on that case is expected soon.
Bottom line: Houston has a good problem on its hands - too many talented infielders and not enough spots. And while Paredes might be the odd man out on paper, in reality, he’s one injury - or one hot streak - away from becoming a key piece in the Astros’ 2026 campaign.