Boston’s search for on-field help was one of their major offseason storylines, with names like Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, Kettle Marte, Eugene Suarez, Nico Hoerner, Brendan Donovan and many others reportedly considered free agents or trade targets. In Donovan’s case, Rome and Rosenthal report that the Sox had some negotiations with the Astros and Cardinals for a three-team trade that would have sent Paredes to Boston, Donovan to Houston, and presumably a multi-player prospect package to the rebuilding Cardinals.
Instead, St. Louis opted for another three-team trade with the Mariners and Rays, landing Donovan in Seattle. The breakdown of what the Cardinals may have gotten from the Astros or Red Sox is unknown, but the Donovan deal with Tampa and the M’s recently netted St. Louis a first-round pitching prospect (Jurrangelo Cijntje), two other prospects (Hey Pete, Colton Ledbetter) and two 2026 draft picks from Competitive Balance Round B. The CBR picks are the only types of draft picks that can be traded, so the fact that the Rays and Mariners had such available selections and the Sox and Astros did not could possibly have been a factor in the Cards’ decision to accept that deal instead of the other three-team proposal.
If the Cardinals had been receptive to what the Red Sox and Astros offered, the deal would have yielded some important things for the two AL teams. Paredes would have stepped in right away as Boston’s everyday third baseman, adding some right-handed balance to the Sox lineup and Marcelo Mayer in the troubled second basic mix. Donovan is known for his multi-positional versatility, but he likely would have been Houston’s everyday left fielder, with the Astros starting in the field and then establishing themselves as Carlos Correa at third base, Jeremy Pena at short stop, Jose Altuve at second base, and Christian Walker at first base. Jordan Alvarez is primed for regular DH at-bats and neither Alvarez nor Altuve are well suited for left field work, so having Paredes in the fold creates something of a logjam for playing time when everyone is healthy.
Houston General Manager Dana Brown has repeatedly said that the Astros are fine with their infield situation, although that could very well be gamesmanship at play as recent reports have suggested that the Astros are indeed still looking for a solution to their infield surplus. Rome and Rosenthal write that Paredes and Walker are both included in trade talks, and that “Paredes is more likely to be dealt than Walker, whose cumbersome contract and limited no-trade clause make him more difficult to move.”
The three-year, $60 million free agent deal Walker signed last winter includes a no-trade clause for six teams. Besides the money and trade protection, Walker is also entering his age-35 season, and he hit just .238/.297/.421 over 640 plate appearances (which translates to a 99 wRC+) in his first season in Houston. Paredes missed nearly two months of the 2025 season due to a hamstring injury, but was great when he did play, hitting .254/.352/.458 over 438 PA.
It’s not an ideal situation for the Astros that one of their better and cheaper players could be their most logical trade candidate. However, as it seems less likely that Houston’s other infielders will be moved for various reasons, dealing Paredes could be the best way for Houston to both alleviate the infield surplus and add a much-needed left-handed bat to the outfield.
As Rome and Rosenthal note, the most obvious way for the Astros and Red Sox to address their dual needs would simply be to make a deal with each other, since Boston has a plethora of left-handed outfielders. Jarren Duran is seen as the outfielder the Sox are most willing to move, although Rome/Rosenthal write that the Astros prefer Wilier Abreu than Duran, partly because of the price. Abreu will not be eligible for arbitration next winter, while Duran will make $7.7 million in 2026 and his salaries will continue to rise over the remaining two ARB years.
It remains to be seen whether the Astros and Red Sox could ultimately reach a deal on their own, or perhaps another third party could be involved to facilitate a transaction. There’s also the possibility that Houston could move Paredes elsewhere entirely, given the widespread interest in his services.
The Pirates and Astros joined forces in a high-profile trade back in December, when the two clubs and the Rays entered into a three-team trade. The Buccos traded from their rotation depth on the move Mike Burrows to Houston in that deal, while Pittsburgh strengthened its lineup with an acquisition Brandon Lowe And Jake Mangum. Between that trade, the Ryan O’Hearn signing, and the deal with the Red Sox that entailed Jhostynxon Garcia in the outfield picture, the Pirates have made it a priority to add some much-needed hitting help to the roster.
Landing Paredes would be perhaps the biggest move of all for the Pirates offense, and it would fill a hole at third base. Jared Triolo is Pittsburgh’s projected starter at the hot corner, and while Triolo is a plus defender, he has hit just .221/.303/.334 over his last 822 PA in 2024-25. As for how the Bucs could fit Houston’s needs, the Pirates have several outfielders who are either lefty swingers or switch hitters, but none seem to be an exact fit. Oneil Cruz probably not going anywhere, Bryan Reynolds is probably too expensive for the Astros, and neither is Mangum Jack Suwinski would provide clear offensive assistance.
What other teams could be speculatively involved with Paredes? Many contenders are already at cornerback in the field, but if Paredes is seen as an upgrade over an incumbent, a deal could be made with a third team involved. On paper, the Brewers, Tigers, Marlins, Diamondbacks and Athletics stand out as contenders or potential contenders who could improve at at least one of the first or third base positions.
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