Red Sox’s Bold Move: Targeting Astros’ Isaac Paredes Amid Alex Bregman Uncertainty
The Houston Astros have made headlines this offseason with a significant trade, orchestrated by general manager Dana Brown. He sent two top prospects to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for right-handed pitcher Mike Burrows as part of a three-team deal. While Burrows is a reliable middle-to-end-of-the-rotation starter, his arrival doesn’t quite offset the looming concern over Framber Valdez’s potential departure in free agency.
Isaac Paredes in Trade Rumors
Amid this backdrop, one name that has emerged prominently in trade discussions is Astros infielder Isaac Paredes. The Boston Red Sox have reportedly set their sights on the 24-year-old as they navigate the murky waters of their infield situation. According to a recent report from the Boston Globe, Paredes remains on Boston’s radar as a viable target.
Red Sox’s Dilemma with Alex Bregman
Currently, the Red Sox find themselves in a precarious position regarding Alex Bregman, the former Houston third baseman who opted out of his contract after just one season in Boston. The situation has attracted interest from several teams, including the Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Toronto Blue Jays. While a return to the Red Sox is certainly a possibility, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is actively exploring backup plans, particularly if Bregman decides to sign elsewhere.
As Speier pointed out, “With Contreras in the fold, the Sox continue to pursue another infield bat. According to major league sources, the team’s primary targets remain fairly consistent: Free agent infielders Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette, as well as trade candidates Ketel Marte (Diamondbacks) and Isaac Paredes (Astros).”
Potential Trade Dynamics with the Astros
The Red Sox could emerge as a beneficial trade partner for the Astros. Boston possesses a number of promising young pitchers, such as Payton Tolle and Connolly Early, who have shown significant promise late in the previous season under manager Alex Cora. However, the recent acquisitions of Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals and Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates may complicate matters, potentially blocking both Tolle and Early from immediate playing time.
Early, in particular, stands out as the most major-league-ready option and could find a spot in the Astros’ rotation as soon as 2026. His experience, including starting Boston’s decisive Game 3 of last season’s American League Wild Card at Yankee Stadium due to an injury to Lucas Giolito, adds to his appeal. Both Early and Tolle are viewed as integral pieces for the future rotation.
Paredes as a Strategic Backup Plan
In this context, Paredes represents a strategic backup option for Breslow and the Red Sox should Bregman ultimately choose to sign elsewhere. Coming off a solid season, Paredes has the potential to fill a crucial role in Boston’s infield, offering both versatility and production.
As the offseason unfolds, the Red Sox’s pursuit of Paredes adds another layer to the intricate dance of player movements and negotiations in Major League Baseball, underscoring the importance of strategic planning in the ever-evolving landscape of team rosters.
