Astros and A’s reignite trade dialogue with Paredes in the mix
The dynamic between the Oakland Athletics and Houston Astros has seen its share of transactions over the years. Once a frequent trading partner, the two clubs exchanged notable players, including the 2013 deal that sent Chris Carter, Max Stassi, and Brad Peacock to Houston in return for Jed Lowrie. The A’s also brought back Lowrie in a 2015 trade and dealt Scott Kazmir to Houston that same year. In a 2017 swap, Ramón Laureano was acquired from the Astros, showcasing a mutually beneficial relationship that has since cooled.
Recent Moves and Roster Challenges
The most recent transaction between these two rivals involved the A’s acquiring Brandon Bielak for cash considerations, a reminder of the trade winds that once blew more robustly between them. As the offseason approaches, the Astros find themselves in the throes of roster reshaping, grappling with an abundance of players at certain positions while lacking depth in others.
With the acquisition of Carlos Correa at the Trade Deadline, the Astros have solidified their infield, pushing Isaac Paredes into a more flexible defensive role. However, this shift may not play to Paredes’ strengths, as his defensive capabilities have been a point of concern. The Astros face challenges in allocating playing time effectively, particularly at designated hitter, where Yordan Alvarez and an aging José Altuve will be vying for at-bats to maintain their performance throughout the season.
Adding to the complexity, Houston has shown interest in acquiring second baseman Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals. This potential move could further complicate Paredes’ standing within the team’s lineup, limiting his opportunities.
Evaluating Trade Options
In light of these considerations, the Astros may find themselves weighing the merits of trading first baseman Christian Walker. Coming off a league-average season at age 34, Walker posted a .238 batting average with a .297 on-base percentage, alongside 27 home runs over 154 games. With two years of team control remaining on his contract at $20 million per season, moving Walker could prove more challenging than shifting Paredes, whose deal is estimated at $9.3 million for 2026, with one final arbitration year in 2027.
The pivotal question looms: would the A’s and Astros actually engage in a trade involving Paredes? While such a deal could alleviate Houston’s roster congestion, it would also arm a divisional rival with a player capable of contributing to their ascent in the AL West by 2026. The implications of such a transaction would resonate throughout the division, marking a significant moment in the ongoing rivalry between these two franchises.
