The trade market is heating up, and Isaac Paredes is right in the middle of it. According to reports, the Pirates and Red Sox are among “at least five teams” engaged in trade talks with the Astros about the two-time All-Star infielder.
For Boston, this is familiar territory-they’ve been circling Paredes all winter. But for Pittsburgh, this is a new wrinkle in what’s been an aggressive offseason push to add more offense.
Let’s start with Boston. The Red Sox have been hunting for infield help since the offseason began, and their list of targets reads like an All-Star ballot-Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, Ketel Marte, Eugenio Suarez, Nico Hoerner, Brendan Donovan, and more. Paredes fits right into that conversation, offering a potent right-handed bat and a steady glove at third base.
At one point, the Sox were reportedly deep in talks about a three-team deal with the Astros and Cardinals. That proposal would’ve sent Paredes to Boston, Donovan to Houston, and presumably a package of prospects to St.
Louis. But the Cardinals ultimately went in a different direction, striking a separate three-team deal with Seattle and Tampa Bay.
That move sent Donovan to the Mariners and brought a haul back to St. Louis, including a recent first-round arm (Jurrangelo Cijntje), two more prospects (Tai Peete and Colton Ledbetter), and a pair of 2026 Competitive Balance Round B picks-valuable draft capital that can actually be traded, unlike standard picks.
That detail might’ve tilted the scales. The Sox and Astros didn’t have those tradable picks, while the Mariners and Rays did.
In a rebuild, every asset counts, and St. Louis opted for the deal that brought more long-term value.
Had Boston pulled off the trade, Paredes would’ve slotted in as the everyday third baseman, giving the Sox lineup some much-needed right-handed thump. That move would’ve also allowed top prospect Marcelo Mayer to slide into the second base mix, an area that remains unsettled.
On Houston’s side, Donovan would’ve likely taken over in left field. The Astros’ infield is already stacked-Carlos Correa at third, Jeremy Peña at short, Jose Altuve at second, and Christian Walker at first.
With Yordan Alvarez locked in as the everyday DH and not suited for regular outfield duty, adding another infielder like Paredes creates a bit of a traffic jam. That’s why the Astros are reportedly open to moving from their infield surplus.
GM Dana Brown has publicly said the Astros are comfortable with their current infield group, but that might be more about leverage than reality. Behind the scenes, both Paredes and Walker are being discussed in trade talks.
Of the two, Paredes is the more movable piece-he’s younger, more affordable, and coming off a strong season despite missing time with a hamstring injury. He hit .254/.352/.458 across 438 plate appearances in 2025, a solid line that reflects both power and plate discipline.
Walker, meanwhile, is a tougher sell. His three-year, $60 million deal includes a six-team no-trade clause, and he’s coming off a down year at the plate (.238/.297/.421, 99 wRC+). Add in that he’s entering his age-35 season, and it’s easy to see why Houston might prefer to keep him and move Paredes instead.
That brings us back to the Red Sox and their outfield depth. Boston has a surplus of left-handed hitting outfielders, and the Astros could use a lefty bat to balance their lineup.
Jarren Duran has been floated as a possible trade chip, but Houston reportedly prefers Wilyer Abreu, who’s younger, cheaper, and not yet arbitration-eligible. Duran, on the other hand, is set to make $7.7 million in 2026, with two more arbitration years to follow.
So, could the Sox and Astros just make a deal straight up? It’s possible, but both sides would have to get creative-or bring in a third team to make the pieces fit.
And if talks stall, Houston could always pivot and move Paredes elsewhere. There’s no shortage of interest.
Enter the Pirates, who’ve already been busy this offseason. Pittsburgh made noise back in December with a three-team trade involving the Astros and Rays, sending Mike Burrows to Houston and bringing in Brandon Lowe and Jake Mangum to bolster the lineup.
They followed that up by signing Ryan O’Hearn and acquiring Jhostynxon Garcia from Boston. The message is clear: the Bucs are hunting for offense.
Paredes would be a major addition. He’d immediately become the team’s best option at third base, where Jared Triolo is currently penciled in.
Triolo is a strong defender, but his bat has lagged-he’s hit just .221/.303/.334 over his last 822 plate appearances. Adding Paredes would give the lineup a jolt and shore up a key position.
The question is whether the Pirates can match up with the Astros in a trade. Pittsburgh has some left-handed and switch-hitting outfielders, but none are an obvious fit for Houston. Oneil Cruz is likely off-limits, Bryan Reynolds is probably too expensive, and Mangum or Jack Suwinski may not provide the offensive upside the Astros want.
As for other potential suitors, it’s a bit of a puzzle. Most contenders are already set at the corners, but that doesn’t mean a deal is off the table.
If a team sees Paredes as a clear upgrade, especially with his cost control and production, a three-team trade could materialize. Teams like the Brewers, Tigers, Marlins, Diamondbacks, and Athletics all stand out as clubs that could use help at first or third base.
Bottom line: Isaac Paredes is one of the most intriguing names on the trade market right now. He’s productive, versatile, and under team control-exactly the kind of player contenders covet. Whether it’s Boston, Pittsburgh, or a surprise team that steps up, don’t be shocked if he’s wearing a new uniform by Opening Day.