Could the Padres and Astros Be Trade Partners? A Deal That Might Just Make Sense for Both Sides
As spring training looms, front offices across the league are working overtime to fine-tune their rosters. In San Diego, A.J.
Preller continues to live up to his reputation as one of the most creative executives in baseball. The Padres have already made a couple of veteran additions in Miguel Andujar and Marco Gonzales, but there’s a sense that more moves are coming - and possibly soon.
Meanwhile, in Houston, the Astros find themselves with a different sort of problem: too many infielders and not enough bullpen depth. This is a team built to win now, but the roster logjam could force a move. That’s where a potential trade with the Padres starts to make a lot of sense.
Let’s break it down.
The Roster Crunch in Houston
The Astros are stacked across the infield. Jeremy Peña is locked in at shortstop, Carlos Correa has returned to man third, Jose Altuve is still holding down second, and Christian Walker is penciled in at first. Isaac Paredes is also in the mix, and while he could DH, Yordan Alvarez is expected to soak up most of those at-bats.
There’s been some chatter about Altuve possibly shifting to left field, but that feels like a long shot given his age and defensive limitations out there. In the outfield, Jesus Sanchez likely holds down right, Jake Meyers is the expected center fielder, and left field is still unsettled - with Zach Cole, Zach Dezenzo, and Cam Smith all vying for time.
The Astros don’t just have a surplus - they have a puzzle. And they might need to move a piece or two to make the rest of the picture fit.
What the Padres Need
In San Diego, the needs are clear: starting rotation depth and a bit more offensive punch at first base. The bullpen, however, is an area of strength. Even after losing Robert Suarez in free agency, the Padres still have a solid group that includes Adrian Morejon, Jason Adam, Jeremiah Estrada, Yuki Matsui, and Wandy Peralta.
That kind of bullpen depth gives Preller the flexibility to deal from a position of strength - and potentially address two areas of need in one swing.
The Proposed Trade
Here’s a hypothetical deal that checks boxes for both sides:
Padres receive:
- Isaac Paredes (INF)
- Spencer Arrighetti (RHP)
Astros receive:
- Ramon Laureano (OF)
- Jeremiah Estrada (RHP)
- Wandy Peralta (LHP)
- Plus a prospect
Let’s unpack why this deal could work for both clubs.
Why the Padres Would Do It
Isaac Paredes is just 26 and still has untapped offensive upside. He’s shown flashes of being a dangerous right-handed bat, especially against lefties - where he owns a career .808 OPS.
He can handle both corner infield spots, which gives the Padres flexibility. And with two years of team control remaining, he fits both the short-term and long-term plans.
There’s also a cultural connection here. Paredes, a native of Hermosillo, Mexico, could become a fan favorite among the Padres’ strong Mexican fanbase. That’s not just a marketing bonus - it’s a real way to deepen ties with a passionate segment of the community.
Then there’s Spencer Arrighetti. The right-hander had a frustrating 2025, derailed by a broken thumb in spring training and some elbow soreness later in the year.
But he’s healthy now and expected to be a full-go for 2026. With four years of team control and the potential to grow under pitching coach Ruben Niebla, he’s exactly the kind of arm San Diego could use at the back end of the rotation.
Financially, this deal would also save the Padres around $5 million in 2026 and open up a 40-man roster spot - both valuable assets for a team still looking to make more moves.
Why the Astros Would Do It
The Astros need to clear space in the infield, and Paredes is one of the most logical trade chips. He’s talented, but with Correa, Altuve, Peña, and Walker all in place, there’s just not enough room for everyone.
In return, Houston would get immediate help in two key areas.
First, the bullpen. Estrada has the stuff to handle high-leverage innings and could slot in as an eighth-inning option alongside Josh Hader. Peralta brings veteran savvy and can eat innings from the left side - a role that’s become increasingly important in today’s matchup-heavy game.
Then there’s Ramon Laureano. He’s a one-year rental, yes, but he’s also a proven outfielder who crushes left-handed pitching.
That’s a skill set Houston could use, especially with questions lingering in left field. Laureano gives them a reliable glove and some pop in the lineup - without any long-term commitment.
As for Arrighetti, losing him stings, but he’s not irreplaceable. The Astros have a deep rotation that includes Hunter Brown, Christian Javier, Tatsuya Imai, Lance McCullers, Mike Burrows, and Ryan Weiss.
There’s also talk of adding another veteran arm before Opening Day. That makes Arrighetti expendable - especially if the return improves the bullpen and outfield.
A prospect - ideally a young pitcher with upside - could be the final sweetener that pushes this deal across the finish line.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of trade that makes sense on multiple levels. The Padres address two areas of need while trimming payroll and gaining roster flexibility. The Astros clear up their infield logjam and bolster their bullpen for another postseason push.
There’s no guarantee this exact deal happens, but it’s clear that the Padres and Astros match up well as potential trade partners. With spring training right around the corner, don’t be surprised if these two clubs pick up the phone and start talking.
In a league where timing is everything, this might be the right deal at the right moment.