The Houston Astros have been active in trade discussions this offseason, and one name that keeps popping up is Isaac Paredes. The 25-year-old third baseman is drawing serious interest, and according to recent reports, Houston is specifically looking for a left-handed hitting outfielder in any potential deal involving Paredes. That’s where the Minnesota Twins come into play.
If there’s one thing the Twins have in abundance, it’s lefty-swinging outfielders. Their depth chart is practically overflowing, from top-tier prospects to big-league-ready contributors.
Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez headline the future - both are expected to make their MLB debuts in 2026 and bring serious upside. Then there’s the middle tier: Matt Wallner and Trevor Larnach.
Both have flashed potential, but neither has locked down a full-time role, and their inconsistency keeps them from being everyday locks. Add in James Outman and Alan Roden - both of whom are ready for big-league action - and Hendry Mendez, and you’ve got a surplus that could be turned into trade capital.
So, what would a Paredes-to-Minnesota deal look like? Well, it starts with this: the Twins have the pieces to get it done.
The Astros want a lefty-hitting outfielder. The Twins have several.
But the conversation doesn’t stop there - it gets more interesting when you consider what acquiring Paredes would mean for the rest of the Twins' roster.
Let’s talk about Royce Lewis.
Lewis is currently penciled in as the Twins’ everyday third baseman. But the reality is, his grip on that role may not be as firm as it once was.
Since his breakout in 2023, Lewis has struggled to maintain that same level of production. His career OPS sits at .762 with a 110 wRC+, but those numbers have dipped to .705 and 94, respectively, since the start of the 2024 season.
That’s not a disaster, but it’s certainly not the kind of output that locks down a premium infield spot long-term - especially not on a team with postseason ambitions.
Defensively, Lewis has been serviceable at third, but not irreplaceable. Moving him to second base wouldn’t drastically weaken the infield, and it could open the door for Paredes to take over the hot corner.
Paredes brings a steady bat and legitimate pop - something this Twins lineup could use more of. His presence would provide much-needed offensive stability, especially with ownership setting high expectations for 2026.
Of course, shifting Lewis to second would displace another young talent: Luke Keaschall. Keaschall turned heads with his bat in 2025, but his defense at second base left something to be desired.
Among second basemen with at least 150 attempts, Keaschall ranked tied for 14th with -2 Outs Above Average - not a disaster, but not elite either. And with only 156 attempts, it’s a small sample, but one that raises questions about his long-term fit at the position.
That could lead to a move to the outfield, where Keaschall has already dabbled. In 2024, he logged just under 174 innings in center field across stints with Double-A Wichita and High-A Cedar Rapids.
While his outfield experience is limited, many evaluators believe it’s where he ultimately ends up. A trade for Paredes could accelerate that transition - giving Keaschall a clearer path to playing time while also upgrading the lineup.
But the Twins’ potential match with Houston doesn’t end with outfielders. The Astros have also been linked to several veteran catchers this offseason - including Joey Bart, Christian Vázquez, and Victor Caratini - as they look for a reliable backup behind Yainer Diaz. That opens another door for Minnesota.
While there’s been no official word that the Twins are shopping Ryan Jeffers, the team’s recent signing of Caratini to a two-year, $14 million deal suggests they’re at least entertaining the idea. Jeffers is entering the final year of team control, and with Caratini and Alex Jackson in the fold, Minnesota could afford to move him - especially if it helps them land a player like Paredes.
A package involving Jeffers and one of their mid- or lower-tier outfielders could be exactly what Houston’s looking for: a left-handed bat and a capable backstop. For the Twins, it would be a way to balance their roster and add a proven bat to a lineup that’s been searching for consistency.
At the end of the day, this all hinges on one big question: does Twins ownership recognize that the current roster, as constructed, probably isn’t ready to contend in 2026? If the answer is yes, then a move for Isaac Paredes makes a lot of sense.
He’s not a superstar, but he’s a solid, reliable hitter who could bring much-needed production to the middle of the lineup. And with so many internal options to shuffle around, the Twins have the flexibility to make it work.
This isn’t just about filling a need - it’s about reshaping the roster to better align with the team’s competitive timeline. And if Minnesota wants to take a real step forward in 2026, Paredes could be a key part of that puzzle.