The Isaac Paredes trade conversation resurfaced Monday when The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal outlined a hypothetical three-team framework that could involve Houston and the St. Louis Cardinals.
In Rosenthal’s proposal, Paredes would be routed to a third club, while the Astros would receive a left-handed outfielder from St. Louis. The Cardinals, currently retooling, have limited use for an infielder of Paredes’ profile, making a direct swap unlikely.
Rosenthal identified Lars Nootbaar and Alec Burleson as potential fits for Houston.
The idea underscores a reality that has lingered all offseason: the Astros continue to search for left-handed outfield production.
Why the Conversation Has Shifted
Boston had long been viewed as the most logical trade partner. The Red Sox pursued Paredes earlier in the winter to address an infield need created by Alex Bregman’s departure in free agency.
Those discussions stalled, and Boston pivoted, acquiring Caleb Durbin from Milwaukee. Rosenthal reports the two clubs “have not been in recent contact” and that Boston’s move strengthened its leverage while weakening Houston’s.
If a Paredes trade is to materialize, it may require creativity: either a multi-team structure or a new partner entirely.
Evaluating the Cardinals Fit
Of the two St. Louis options, Burleson presents the cleaner offensive fit. He hit .290/.343/.459 with 18 home runs and 59 RBI in 2025, offering contact ability and left-handed run production.
Nootbaar brings stronger defensive value but saw his offensive production dip to .234/.325/.361 last season.
Either player would address Houston’s need for lineup balance from the left side.
The Paredes Reality
Paredes turns 27 this week and remains a valuable trade asset. The two-time All-Star slashed .259/.359/.470 with 19 home runs in 94 games last season before a severe hamstring strain sidelined him for two months.
The roster math is straightforward. With Carlos Correa at third base, Jeremy Peña at shortstop, Jose Altuve at second, and Christian Walker at first, there is no clear everyday role for Paredes. That positional logjam continues to fuel speculation.
There is no indication that a deal is imminent, and Rosenthal’s framework represents a proposed solution rather than confirmed negotiations. Still, the concept reflects how rival executives may view Houston’s surplus infield depth and its unsettled outfield.
Whether Dana Brown ultimately converts that imbalance into a pre–Opening Day move remains uncertain. For now, it remains an idea, but one that makes baseball sense.
