Astros Enter Spring Training With Roster Questions, Trade Talks Heating Up Around Isaac Paredes
Astros pitchers and catchers report to camp tomorrow, but Houston's roster still feels like a puzzle with a few pieces that don’t quite fit-at least not yet. The team remains heavily right-handed, stacked in the infield, and light on impact outfielders, especially from the left side. It’s a roster that feels like it’s one move away from better balance, and all signs point to Isaac Paredes as the potential trade chip in play.
Now, let’s be clear: the Astros aren’t in a rush to move Paredes. General manager Dana Brown has said as much, pointing to Paredes’ impact in the lineup before a hamstring injury cut his season short.
Houston brought him in just a year ago in the deal that sent Kyle Tucker out, banking on his pull-heavy right-handed bat to take advantage of the short porch in left at Daikin Park. And that bet paid off-Paredes launched 20 home runs and slashed .254/.352/.458 across 102 games.
That’s production you don’t just give away unless the return makes real sense.
Still, while the Astros have publicly played it cool, the trade buzz around Paredes isn’t going away. According to multiple reports, Houston has been actively discussing him with several teams-at least five, including the Pirates and Red Sox.
And those conversations appear to be picking up steam. The Astros are reportedly focused on landing a left-handed hitting outfielder in return-something they sorely need to round out their lineup.
There was some traction around a three-team deal that would’ve brought Brendan Donovan in from the Cardinals, but that fell apart, and Donovan is now in Seattle. The Red Sox, another potential partner, have added Isiah Kiner-Falefa and traded for Caleb Durbin, which likely fills out their infield. That could take them out of the running.
Pittsburgh is still an interesting case. They just signed Marcell Ozuna to bolster their right-handed power, but they’re still looking for an upgrade at third base.
The question is whether they’re willing to take on Paredes’ $9.35 million salary-and whether they view him as a clear enough upgrade over someone like Jared Triolo to justify the cost. There’s also the issue of fit.
The Pirates don’t have an obvious left-handed outfielder to send back, and Houston isn’t taking on Bryan Reynolds’ contract. Even if the Astros liked someone like Spencer Horwitz as a left field option, Pittsburgh might not be keen on moving five years of control for what could be a marginal upgrade.
Other teams could make more sense. The Brewers, for instance, might be the cleanest on-paper fit.
While they’re unlikely to move Sal Frelick, center fielder Garrett Mitchell or corner outfielder Tyler Black could be intriguing targets for Houston. Both are left-handed bats who could plug into the Astros’ outfield rotation.
The Twins also make some sense. They’ve got a bit of a logjam in the corner outfield with lefties like Matt Wallner and Trevor Larnach, and their infield picture isn’t exactly locked in.
That could open the door for a move involving Paredes. The Guardians are another team to watch-they’re flush with left-handed hitters in the outfield and at first base, but they need a right-handed power bat in the worst way.
Someone like George Valera could be a name to watch if Cleveland is willing to reinvest some of the money saved from restructuring José Ramírez’s contract.
Then there’s San Diego. The Padres need another corner infielder, and Paredes could fit nicely at first base.
But they don’t have much to offer in terms of left-handed outfielders, and Jackson Merrill isn’t going anywhere. That limits the match, unless a third team gets involved to help balance the deal.
From a financial standpoint, moving Paredes would free up some room under the $244 million luxury tax threshold-a number Houston’s ownership has shown little interest in crossing. If they can’t find a deal, though, Paredes still has value as a versatile infielder behind Christian Walker, Jose Altuve, and Carlos Correa. Yordan Alvarez has the DH spot locked down, so at-bats could be limited, but Paredes would give Houston a strong bench option with legitimate pop.
Bottom line: the Astros are entering Spring Training with a roster that’s close, but not quite there. Whether they make a move in the coming days or weeks could determine just how well-balanced this team will be heading into a season where expectations are, once again, sky-high.