WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Isaac Paredes has at least one thing settled this spring: He’s getting married.
The Astros infielder announced his engagement to Paulina Quiroz this week during a beach getaway, sharing the news on Instagram. The couple is also expecting a baby boy in July, adding a major personal milestone to what could be a pivotal season professionally.
The Third Base Question
Paredes’ role in Houston remains unclear.
When the Astros acquired Carlos Correa last July, Correa stepped in at third base during Paredes’ hamstring injury and never relinquished the position. Now under contract through 2028, Correa appears locked in at third.
Houston avoided arbitration with Paredes earlier this offseason, agreeing to a one-year, $9.35 million deal for 2026. But securing his salary doesn’t guarantee everyday at-bats.
Manager Joe Espada has indicated Paredes will see time at second base this spring, potentially spelling 36-year-old José Altuve. Still, with Correa, Altuve, Jeremy Peña, Christian Walker, and Paredes all needing plate appearances and Yordan Alvarez expected to remain primarily at designated hitter, the infield alignment is far from simple.
Trade Speculation Persists
General manager Dana Brown has suggested Houston may not be finished making roster moves. Following last week’s trade involving Jesús Sánchez and Joey Loperfido, Brown said the club was “not done,” keeping speculation alive around potential deals.
Paredes could draw interest. The right-handed hitter posted a .809 OPS with an 11.9% walk rate last season and remains a controlled, productive bat entering his prime.
For now, Paredes is preparing for spring training while balancing significant changes off the field: an upcoming wedding, a baby on the way, and a professional future that remains unsettled.
Photo by Nairn McWilliams via Flickr, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
