The Pittsburgh Pirates have made it clear this offseason: they’re in the market for offense. After missing out on Kyle Schwarber and striking out on Eugenio Suárez, the front office is still hunting for a bat that can anchor the lineup. With free agency options dwindling, the trade market may be their best shot-and one name being floated is Isaac Paredes.
According to a recent trade proposal, the Pirates could look to strike a deal with the Houston Astros that would bring Paredes, a two-time All-Star with 92 career home runs, to Pittsburgh. The cost? Third baseman Jared Triolo and left-handed pitching prospect Hunter Barco, plus some cash coming back with Paredes.
Let’s break this down.
Why Isaac Paredes makes sense for the Pirates
The Pirates need a bat, and Paredes brings power-plain and simple. At 26, he’s just entering his prime and under club control for two more seasons.
That’s not nothing. He’s coming off a strong year with the Astros where he hit .254 with an .809 OPS and 20 home runs in just 102 games.
And that’s after missing a chunk of time due to injury. When healthy, he’s a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat.
Paredes has shown he can handle third base, and while his batting average won’t turn heads (.237 over six seasons), his pop and ability to get on base (.766 career OPS) make him a valuable upgrade for a Pirates team that desperately needs more punch.
What the Pirates would be giving up
This isn’t a one-sided deal. Jared Triolo is no throw-in.
He’s a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman who turned in a solid season in Pittsburgh last year, posting a .667 OPS. He’s under team control through 2029, which gives him long-term value-especially for a team still building toward contention.
Then there’s Hunter Barco. The 25-year-old southpaw only threw three innings last season, but he didn’t allow a run and remains a highly regarded prospect in the organization. He’s still largely untested at the big-league level, but the upside is there-and that’s what makes him a valuable trade chip.
Is the trade worth it?
This is the kind of deal that forces a front office to weigh present needs against future potential. Paredes fills a glaring hole in the Pirates' lineup right now. He brings power, experience, and a winning pedigree-exactly the kind of presence that could help stabilize a young roster.
But giving up two controllable pieces, including a Gold Glove defender and a promising lefty arm, is no small price. Triolo’s glove at third is elite, and Barco could develop into a rotation piece down the line. The Pirates have to ask themselves: is the offensive upgrade worth the long-term cost?
It’s a tough call, but it’s also a sign that Pittsburgh is serious about turning the corner. After years of rebuilding, moves like this-bold, calculated, and potentially risky-are how you start building a contender. If they believe Paredes is the bat to help get them there, this might be the kind of swing worth taking.