The Pirates and Red Sox are two of “at least five teams” discussing Isaac Paredes in trade talks with the Astros, according to The Athletic’s Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal. This is the first time Pittsburgh has been linked to Paredes, though the two-time All-Star has been known to be a Red Sox target for much of the winter.
Boston’s quest for infield help has been one of their primary offseason storylines, with such names as Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, Ketel Marte, Eugenio Suarez, Nico Hoerner, Brendan Donovan and many others reportedly considered as free agent or trade targets. In Donovan’s case, Rome and Rosenthal report that the Sox had some negotiations with the Astros and Cardinals about a three-team trade that would’ve 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, with Donovan landing in Seattle. The breakdown of what the Cardinals might’ve gotten from the Astros or Red Sox isn’t known, but the Donovan deal with Tampa and the M’s netted St. Louis a recent first-round pitching prospect (Jurrangelo Cijntje), two other prospects (Tai Peete, 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 didn’t could have quite possibly been a factor in the Cards’ decision to accept that deal over the other three-team proposal.
Had the Cardinals been amenable to what the Red Sox and Astros offered, the deal would’ve checked off a couple of major boxes for the two AL teams. Paredes would’ve stepped right in as Boston’s everyday third baseman, adding right-handed balance to the Sox lineup and moving Marcelo Mayer into the unsettled second base mix. Donovan is known for his multi-positional versatility, but he would’ve likely been Houston’s everyday left fielder, with the Astros starting infield then settling as Carlos Correa at third base, Jeremy Pena at shortstop, Jose Altuve at second base, and Christian Walker at first base. Yordan Alvarez is set for regular DH at-bats and neither Alvarez or Altuve are well-suited to left field work, so having Paredes in the fold creates something of a logjam for playing time if everyone is healthy.
Houston GM Dana Brown has repeatedly said that the Astros are fine with their infield situation, though this could be some gamesmanship at play, as recent reports suggested that the Astros may indeed still be looking to deal from their infield surplus. Rome and Rosenthal write that Paredes and Walker are both being floated in trade discussions, and “Paredes is more likely to be dealt than Walker, whose cumbersome contract and limited no-trade clause make it more difficult to move him.”
The three-year, $60MM free agent deal Walker signed last winter contains a six-team no-trade clause. Beyond the money and the no-trade protection, Walker is also entering his age-35 season, and he hit only .238/.297/.421 over 640 plate appearances (translating to a 99 wRC+) in his first season in Houston. Paredes missed almost two months of the 2025 season due to a hamstring injury but was terrific when he did play, batting .254/.352/.458 across 438 PA.
It isn’t an ideal situation for the Astros that one of their better and less-expensive players might be their most logical trade candidate. However, because Houston’s other infielders seem less likely to be moved for a variety of reasons, dealing Paredes might 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 twin needs would simply be to make a deal with each other, since Boston has a plethora of left-handed hitting outfielders. Jarren Duran has been viewed as the outfielder the Sox may be most willing to move, though Rome/Rosenthal write that the Astros prefer Wilyer Abreu over Duran, in part because of price. Abreu doesn’t reach arbitration eligibility until next winter, while Duran is making $7.7MM in 2026 and his salaries will continue to rise over his remaining two arb years.
It remains to be seen if the Astros and Red Sox could finally line up on a deal themselves, or if perhaps another third party could get involved to help facilitate a trade. There’s also the possibility that Houston could move Paredes elsewhere entirely, given the widespread interest in his services.
The Pirates and Astros already joined forces on a prominent trade back in December, when the two clubs and the Rays engaged in a three-team swap. The Buccos traded from their rotation depth in moving Mike Burrows to Houston in that deal, while Pittsburgh bolstered its lineup by acquiring Brandon Lowe and Jake Mangum. Between that trade, the Ryan O’Hearn signing, and the deal with the Red Sox that brought Jhostynxon Garcia into the outfield picture, the Pirates have made a priority of adding some much-needed hitting help to the roster.
Landing Paredes would arguably be 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 only .221/.303/.334 over his last 822 PA in 2024-25. In terms of how the Bucs could meet Houston’s needs, the Pirates have multiple outfielders who are either lefty swingers or switch-hitters, yet none seem like exactly a fit. Oneil Cruz likely isn’t going anywhere, Bryan Reynolds is probably too pricey for the Astros, and neither Mangum or Jack Suwinski would provide clear offensive help.
What other teams could speculatively be in on Paredes? Many contenders are already set at the corner infield slots, though if Paredes is viewed as an upgrade over an incumbent, a deal could be swung with a third team involved. On paper, the Brewers, Tigers, Marlins, Diamondbacks, and Athletics stand out as contenders or would-be contenders who could stand to improve at at least one of the first or third base positions.
Nobody wants Christian Walker.
Including the Astros.
Walker had a “down year” with 27 HR, 88 RBIs and Gold Glove caliber defense on a team that was 21st in MLB in runs scored. Try again.
I’m guessing it’s more the contract and his age. As the article points out his WRC+ was just a tick below average. Paredes would be much easier to move
kcm – As a Red Sox fan I don’t want Paredes, primarily because his name reminds me of my grades in elementary school and also reminds me of my first girlfriend.
Baseball trades throughout history were prompted by less causes than your two. Big names and little ones..
Pretty soon your good gut instincts could churn up a winner.
‘a tick below average’ for a first baseman is quite bad – the average wRC+ for firstbasemen last year was 109 and that includes backups and fill-ins.
There’s optimism in that he posted a 120 wRC+ in the second half BUT his BB% and K% were career worsts and didn’t show any improvement in the 2nd half.
I think the concern is that at his age, the BB and K issues were a decline in skills and not a one year blip. Guess we’ll see this year.
Fever, you left off the other half of your elementary grades, and likewise, might be taking the wrong feeling away from Paredes.
With me is was generally As for grades but a U for effort. Perhaps Peredes earns at least an S, maybe even an O?
Besides, start thinking duck boats. Paredes. Parades. Paredes. Parades.
We can turn that association around in no time, *if* the price is right to make it worthwhile
Fever, your first girlfriend was named Isaac?
I hope the Sox get him. Just so you can finally get over your first girlfriend. Isaac stole your heart at on time but the new Isaac will earn it by hitting bombs off of the Yankees!
No judging.
@dewey- that sounds so painful. I just hope and pray Fever is finally over it now. I mean these kind of relationships take awhile to get over. I think he’ll be alright, so just give him some more time,
GaSox – Grade school is when a classmate got me hooked on the Red Sox. He was hilarious, basically a sports version of Robin Williams. He was batting stance guy before Batting Stance Guy. Did all kinds of impersonations including voice such as Johnny Most. I’ll never forget when the Olympic hockey team won, he got on top of a desk and wrapped himself in the flag pretending to search for his father. The kid moved to Texas a year later, but the damage was already done ….. I transformed into FPG and my grades suffered from it.
I like what you did with “parades”, that is a great suggestion!
dewey – Haha …. love it, thank you!
Cap – Right now I’m trying to get over last night’s game. Shouldn’t take too long though, at least it wasn’t a close game and they still had a great season.
Fever- no worries they’ll be back to the show, they’re too good not to. Just hang in there, and be patient. At least you aren’t a Jets fan. No faith in that organization whatsoever.
Agree. Walker finished strong. Hopefully used to Daiken Park now and is feeling more comfortable heading into 2026. Give this guy a chance.
@PoisonedPens: The stats disagree with your “Gold Glove caliber defense” comment and you’re cherry-picking HR and RBI and ignoring his .238/.297/.421/.717 slash line. He also had a 97 OPS+/99 wRC+ which is below league-average offensive production overall and quite a bit lower than what you’d want from a first baseman. All of this translated to a 0.2 bWAR/1.1 fWAR, so if you’re trying to say that he had a good year, it’s you who needs to ‘try again’.
Walker was our best player at times.
I’m not ignoring anything. Everyone knows Walker needed acclimation time; and then his second half numbers were on par with his career numbers, again, on a well below=average offensive team with little lineup protection (Alvarez missed most of the year (48 GP) and Paredes a big chunk of the second half with 102 GP) .. 27 HRs and 88 RBIs are solid numbers, .238 meh but again he spent most of the first half under.215. Oh, yeah, also led the AL in put outs along with a .995 fielding percentage, and led all 1B with 152 GP. Black ink > bWAR.that favors utility players.
Case in point about bWAR favoring utility/part–time players: Matt Shaw had a 3.1 bWAR in 2025. .226 BA, 13 HR, 44 RBIs, 17 SB, 98 OPS, .977 fielding. Yet somehow he gets a 3.1 and Christian Walker gets a 0.2 bWAR with superior numbers in every category except SB???
Seems that one should Be Aware of b WAR.But unlike you and I plenty of “experts” posting on this site swear by some of these predictive modes.
@Poisoned
I love how you’re standing up for Walker. However, Walker’s fielding dipped. I’m really excited to see him be a star for us in 2026.
Don’t watch baseball do you Shawn ?
I agree Walker isn’t that bad and could possibly outperform Paredes.
Astros – but is the possible over-performance by Walker enough to be worth an extra $11.65m in 2026 and (assuming there is a 2027 season) possibly $6.65m in 2027? Im doubtful Paredes pulls off a top-10 mvp season to convert next year’s option to a mutual one.
Id also think a club having the flexibility to decline the option and go to arbitration for his last year of control, depending on calendar changes, has value
Regardless, Paredes ability to play off 1B is what makes him desirable to many of the other clubs, something Walker cant do.
For the right club, Walker has some value. For the Red Sox, Paredes is the only fit. Not perfect, but it comes down to what the Astros want for him.
It really comes down to what the RS want for Duran. They have 4 starting outfielders and 3 bat LH.
The problem is that they want the sun and moon for a highly valued player, but that value will decline in the next 2 years and everyone knows it.
Based on how he performed at the end of the season, I wouldn’t be surprised if he has better performance and is WORTH the 20 million the Astros gave him. I do think Paredes is going to be good enough and go past his contract value, but I think Walker’s deal could still pay off dividends.
Cleav – Campbell is a righty and best suited for outfield. I would like to see what he can do if they just put him there and keep him there and stop messing with him.
I don’t want to see Duran or Abreu go though, each player has pros and cons.
Walker wasn’t good last year. He was only slightly better than Jose Abreu. Astros fans are utterly delusional
You are utterly delusional.
Go Bucs!
They’re taking some chances and going for it, at least a little bit, this year
Start with swapping Yoshida for Walker. Opens a spot in the IF for Paredes, and nominally adds a LF glove for the Astros.
Would have made sense if the Sox hadn’t already traded for Contreras
DH platoon.
They’re not spending $40+M on a 1B/DH platoon.
Walker strikes out way too much to be of much value and the Sox don’t have any place to put him with Contreras likely the full time first baseman unless Casas comes back strong. They need a second or third baseman. There has been no talk about Walker to the Sox because he doesn’t fit their needs.
I still don’t see Paredes as a fit with Boston given the price Houston is looking for. I also believe the additional teams are mostly B.S. as they try to get what they’re looking for.
Sorry all. I forgot I wasn’t going to post again about Paredes…my bad.
It certainly looks like Paredes is at the top of Breslow’s list. I hope they don’t overpay for him. It is tough because they are running out of options, but sometimes it is better to stay with in house options if you are going to lose too much to get the deal done.
No, it’s the price the RS are looking for in a Duran trade. I suggest a 3 team trade where the Astros get Duran the RS get Parades and a prospect and the 3rd team gets Jake Meyers and gives up the prospect.
Sox are out on Parades now they have Durbin.
The end of the Paredes saga has finally arrived, thank goodness!
Walker and Contreras both strike out at much the same rate.
This would be a big reason not to have both of them in the same lineup, as well as having them both playing the same position.
It adds a body in LF for the Astros, not necessarily a glove.
Walker would be redundant in Boston with Contreras. Paredes would play 3B with the Sox, which is a position of need
Breslow was please don’t mess this up.
Autocorrect doing what it wants and the app doesn’t let me delete or edit. Oh well.
Dang. I was hoping for the bugs to get worked out before I invested in a cell-phone.
The wait continues.
Hahahaha!
kod – It’s why I almost never use my phone. Being able to edit/delete your posts is huge. I always find myself adding stuff to my posts.
I’ve found its hit or miss having issues editing posts after submitting on the phone. Once in a while it doesn’t let me – thats when you see lots of typos.
But I also question if it might be more phone related than site related. There’s times my regular browser has issues opening stories on the site on the phone, but same browser in incognito mode loads fine.
Likewise, sometimes I hit reply and the page glitches out… but, again, a quick login under the privacy mode and I’m in business.
I doubt the Tigers will jump in but between 3B, 2B,1B and DH I expect they could get enough bats for Paredes and Keith. He would be a lineup upgrade and add a nice bat.
Who would you be willing to part with to get him?
Whoever the two GM’s think works 😉 i know Houston needs a left handed OF so not a perfect fit with Detroit. No way tgey tdade Carp or Greene. Perez is a switch hitter though. McKinistry can play all over. If its young pitching they have Hamm, Sears and others who are AA and above. Briceno is a near term bat at C/1B. Lots of 2B type options like Lee, Anderson et al. Some combo of those guys. There are cleaner fits if Houston is focused in a LH OF. .
Tigers originally traded Paredes for Austin Meadows. They could flip Parker Meadows to get him back?
I don’t think so.
Ohhh sweet justice! I say that but I was one of the ones who was excited when they got Austin. Couldn’t have predicted that.
Paredes to the Pirates
Brooks Baldwin and Joey Bart to the Astros
Thomas Harrington and Nick Yorke to the White Sox
White Sox hopefully say no to trading Baldwin.
Mickey Moniak is also a possibility if the Rockies would be interested in prospects from the Pirates. He’d be a cheap add to the Astros and has some good power. Under control until 2028. Get it done Ben.
Moniak has very little value, not even close to being worthy of Paredes
I’m not comparing Paredes to Moniak by himself. A package of Moniak AND Bart is equal to Paredes.
It’s looking at need. The Astros feel that they need to shed payroll and they need to fill two holes in their lineup–backup catcher and a LH OF. Bart and Moniak fill that with a package equal or almost equal to Paredes.
Just looking at Paredes and Moniak, their numbers are not all that dissimilar:
.270/.306/.518
.254/.352/.458
Even if you argue that Moniak had inflated numbers playing at Coors you also have to argue that his defensive metrics are made worse by playing there so his OAA wouldn’t be as poor as they show.
Moniak is making $4M while Paredes is making $9M.
Moniak’s Baseball Savant page has some intriguing numbers.
90th percentile in xSLG, 85h for Barrel. He’s much better than at first glance and I think would make a part of a competitive package.
I understand where you’re coming from and don’t think Moniak is as bad as everyone seems to think, but I also don’t think he’s as good as he was either. He’s been extremely inconsistent. As has Bart. Bart also has very little value. You’re not trading an all star level player for two backups coming from 90+ loss teams
I agree. Also, what’s coming to the Rox?
Bart isn’t our backup. He’s our primary catcher which is why he’s being floated as a trade chip. Our other catchers don’t have as much value. Moniak is also listed as the starting RF for the Rockies on FG. My understanding is that him and Doyle are fighting for the starting spot (but I’m not a Rockies fan and don’t follow them).
I get the idea of not wanting two players from 90 loss teams but the fact is that there’s not a lot of good matches for the Astros on a Paredes deal since their need is so specific and people make a big deal over certain tools of Paredes and ignore others. He has a good eye and he has power but he is very pull heavy. He’s a below average fielder and he has the same WAR as the Pirates current third baseman. I want the Pirates to get him largely because of his power but other than that he’s not that significant of an upgrade.
Honestly I think a prospect or two since I can’t tell what they need and they don’t seem to be competing. I’d give them any number of our prospects. They’re light on pitching prospects and the Pirates have a ton. I’d give them Zander Meuth and/0r Levi Sterling.
If you call Triolo and Paredes equal, you are very dilusional.
They are not equal in hitting.
They are also not equal in fielding.
Paredes would be a significant downgrade for his glove.
So do you say they are equal?
They bring value in different ways. Triolo wouldn’t be traded one for one with Paredes if that’s what you mean (nor would he be traded one for one with Abreu or Duran, it would seem, though I keep hearing Astros fans say that’d be a fair trade).
It isn’t. However, there are some ridiculous mock trades like Abreu for Paredes and Matthews. Jared Triolo for Issac Paredes, Astros say no. When you say 1-1, I think you mean the Astros say no, right? And by the way Paredes has more WAR.
The Astros would say no, of course. Both because they don’t need a glove-first infielder and because they are hoping to get a LH OF bat. They should be able to get much more from Paredes than Triolo.
Some Pirates fans would say no to a Triolo/Paredes trade (which is a ridiculous notion) but most would say yes. I personally would rather keep Triolo than gain Paredes if it came down to that just because Paredes bat doesn’t play particularly well at PNC and his potential doesn’t outweigh Triolo’s defensive upside and versatility. He’s also not a terrible hitter. I’d rather have any of the Mets corner infielders than Paredes but they’ll cost more so that’s why I’m interested in Paredes.
Paredes has a higher fWAR. They both had the same bWAR last year.
Well, I don’t care. I just want a good return, though I’d rather keep him.
I get that. I’d feel the same if I was an Astros fan.
Triolo more valuable than Paredes. By a lot.
Why?
Baserunning defense versatility more years of control potential to be better.
Parades is better in Houston than anywhere else. Triolo still more valuable but even more so with Paredes outside of Houston.
As a bat Parades is better no matter the stadium. But that’s it. Parades you can place a few positions vs Triolo who can play gold glove level defense at multiple positions.
I guarantee you he doesn’t to play 81 games at PNC Park.
Paredes would die in Pittsburgh. That park just eats right handed power and laughs at it.
Maybe you should look at how many he’s hit at PNC.
Supported by Statcast, which says he would have hit 11 HR last season had he played all his games in PNC compared to his actual 20.
162 games in PNC? He’s not playing 162 there.
Dana Brown, do not mess this up and get a haul for Paredes. That’s all I want.
He’s only seen success in a small sample (111 games in 2024), and has been awful besides that.
It’s a matter of time that the pirates get their man
I’m not a fan of trading Isaac from the pirates side. If there are 5 teams more than passively looking at getting him it probably would cost to much talent. But they need to do something. They’ve done to much to stop short.
On the front side a deal would probably seem like it would be an Houston win but if a move helps put the pirates into the playoffs maybe worth it.
I would have Cruz on the table for it but also would probably add to much cost for Houston.
Then they’ll need a corner OF too. Or a CF, but that’s harder. And Mangum becomes your everyday CF which feels like a stretch.
This is why ponying up for a FA made so much sense. It’s not like the Bucs have spare offensive parts sitting around. And they burned their spare pitching already. If they want to improve the 2026 team, that means moving prospects, and that would mean a team with an extra 3B that is ok with getting future help. Rays maybe, if they’re willing to flip Williamson?
Ben? If he were on my roster I would love it but also would not be actively looking at trading specifically for him.
Assuming there is a vet rotation pitcher added the pirates could move one of their potential back end arms but doubt they would find large upgrade for it.
Pirates are on a bad spot now that the FA targets are dried up and the trade market doesn’t seem to be lining up >.<
Yeah, Ben. He’s not what I think they need, but I don’t know who’s available who has upside and plays on a team not trying this year.
What pitcher would you trade? Harrington has low value right now. Barco’s the only lefty. Ashcraft would be tough to give up. Mlod doesn’t have the value to get what they need.
Anyone not named Paul or Bubba if the return would make a substantial difference. So any one of them. not saying I would trade, just saying it isn’t something to rule out
Mlodzinski. Sure. Harrington. Maybe.
Maybe someone on the farm
But not any of their core that is possibly penciled in as a starter, including Jones
Carmen is miscast as a starter but has done very well as a long man.
I would sign Jonah Heim and trade Bart and Harrington for Paredes and a young reliever.
You aren’t getting Bart and Harrington for Paredes, let alone Paredes and a young reliever. I expect you want maybe Ullola? We don’t have very many young relievers.
And that’s kind of my point. The Astros aren’t dealing a hitter of Paredes caliber for a mediocre catcher and a guy with a ceiling of back of the rotation starter. Especially not with half a dozen teams interested.
I was replying to Mendoza but it alerts you for some reason.
I may be mistaken but I am thinking that Isaac only has a year of control.
He is a fairly good hitter but not sure how his power would play in Pittsburgh.
It is my understanding that he is a meh fielder.
I have no particular reliever in mind and am not looking for anyone but a decent A pitcher that the Pirates can develop.
If my explanation is clear and my assumptions accurate and the Astros need a decent backup catcher and a decent young advanced starting pitcher then I stand that the trade is a reasonable one unless Parades is overhyped.
Paredes is Arb 2. FA after 2027.
Also, Harrington having an awful year last year also hurts the cause.
Hernandez Ashcraft could be as good or better than Bubba. Can’t imagine anyone worthy of trading them would be available.
He has 2. You aren’t getting a young reliever and Paredes with that package.
Astros-Thanks to you and Jaorb for clarifying the control time left.
Cubs will move shaw for right deal
I sincerely hope the Astros keep Paredes. I hope Dana Brown does not get punked if he decides to move him.
I agree. I want to keep Paredes but it does make sense to listen. I would only move him for a godfather offer at this point.
Rumor is the Astros are looking for a LHH COF. Might Larnach/Outman/ or even one of the Twins highly rated prospects interest the Astros? Walker, paid down of course, if it’s one of the first two or Paredes if it’s a prospect? The finishing touches on the Correa trade hahaha
Larnach. Why not.
I like Paredes but the Astros fans act like he is the second coming of Mike Schmidt.
This team is mych better with a legitimate OF on the roster than him.
Unless the Astros play Alvarez more in LF, keeping Isaac means an extra weak bat in the lineup and good bat on the bench, even if they rotate him, Altuve, Walker, Correa, and Yordan across 4 positions.
Paredes is not a weak bat.
Exactly. My point.
If they don’t trade Paredes or play Yordan in LF, one of Paredes, Walker, Correa, Altuve, Alvarez, or Pena needs to be on the bench while 3 weaker OFers are starting.
Walker is old and coming off a subpar year. Altuve is old. Correa is getting old and injury prone. Alvarez is coming off a big injury. Expecting those four to be and stay productive across a full year is IMHO just asking for too much. Without Paredes there to cover you’re going to potentially have multiple weak bats in the lineup.
Alvarez is 27 and had a broken hand, Correa is 31, not hardly old lol.
I would agree that Walker, Correa, and Altuve could be weak bats. But putting Alvarez in there is delusional.
I should have been more clear in my post. I didn’t mean to say those guys were going to be the weak bats but rather, the bats replacing them in the event of injury were going to be weak.
Correa is almost guaranteed hit the IL at some point. If that happens at the same time as an Alvarez or Altuve injury or with Walker continuing his below average play… Without Paredes available you’re potentially looking at 2-3 weak bats in your lineup for who knows how many games.
Oh. I see. Well, not that weak.
Of course there are going to be injuries but the issue is the clubhouse.
Yordan simply must play everyday that he is healthy. Period.
Altuve and Correa are franchise icons who are still among the top 5 best players on the team and looking at career milestones and possible HOF. They will play nearly everyday.
Pena and Paredes are both in arbitration and lose money if they don’t play everyday.
Walker was given an unexpected/unscheduled day off late last season and told reporters “I’m an everyday player. I came here to play everyday, not sit on the bench”
No matter how they divide up the playing time, there will be problems in the clubhouse if they don’t make a trade.
This is in addition to the point that the team is just better trading one of them for someone who won’t be on the bench.
I keep seeing Pirates looking to add a big middle of the order bat. Jazz Chisholm to Pirates makes so much sense in a three team trade with Cubs where Nico Hoerner comes back to Yankees and a starter or starters goes to Cubbies.
I do think one of the Sox and Pirates will get Parades. Seems like too much smoke here. I don’t it’ll be a huge return for the Astros, but he should net a couple of decent prospects. Maybe the team that can offer a MLB ready OF will win?
Well, it depends on what you call a huge return. I agree he’ll net a couple of decent prospects. There are other teams, so we’ll see.
I don’t think he’ll net like top prospects, but some useful midlevel ones.
Do you think he’ll net a top 10 in a farm like PIT?
Top 10 according to ranking sites I think he could. Their actual top 10 I hope not and don’t think so. Actual 11 to 15 I think he could.
That said, as the article mentions, I could see a 1-1 swap of Abreu for Paredes.
Abreu is worth more because of his salary and control.
I just don’t think Abreu is better than Duran overall.
I agree there. Duran is more complete of a player. Abreu is just pre Arb still I think and Duran makes more than Paredes, which the Astros may not be able to afford.
Wade, based on what information do you see Duran costing more than Paredes?
For 2026, Duran is signed to a $7.7m base salary and $75k in potential incentives based on PAs.
For 2026, Paredes is signed to a $9.35m base salary, and a $50k bonus if he’s an AS selection.
Duran is currently cheaper than Paredes, comes with one extra year of control, and, if you like war, delivered more value. Paredes is 2.5 years younger than Duran, but, for any team to keep duran through his age 31 season isnt anything to begin worrying too seriously about age related decline in that extra year of control
WadeBoggsWildRide
5 hours ago
I agree there. Duran is more complete of a player. Abreu is just pre Arb still I think and Duran makes more than Paredes, which the Astros may not be able to afford.
——————————————–
I think, compared to 2013, Duran is Jacoby Ellsbury, with fewer stolen bases but more power.
Abreu is Shane Victorino, elite defense, but Wilyer has more power.
Thanks I thought Duran was more like $9M and Paredes $7M. Must have gotten them switched.
Either way both Duran and Abreu have more value than Paredes. Not sure what the Astros can do to even the deal out.
If it’s just “a couple of decent prospects” the Astros shouldn’t do it. Paredes is their 2nd best hitter, they should only trade him for a borderline all-star major league bat. IE Duran or Abreu. Anything less and they just need to keep him and find a way to make it work.
Duran is worth more than Paredes imo, but I could definitely see Abreu 1-1.
Duran is worth more but the Red Sox have a bigger need than the Astros do. But apparently the Astros prefer Abreu anyway.
I think both are worth more than Paredes. Duran is paid more so he might be a little closer.
Salzilla
9 hours ago
Duran is worth more than Paredes imo, but I could definitely see Abreu 1-1.
_________________________________________________
Abreu is an elite defense right fielder with pop, 30-hr potential in a full season, and four years of control.
Paredes is a non-elite hitter with mediocre defense at third base and two years of control.
Name one reason why the Red Sox should make this trade.
They shouldn’t and they won’t. If a trade does get done between the two teams more will be coming back from Houston but doubtful anything gets done.
Duran for Parades…… who says no?
Red Sox.
I’m not looking to gake anything away from Paredes, he a decent player with some potential…
But if we’re being honest, either duran 3yrs control, about $1.5m cheaper this year or abreu 4 years control, makes league minimum would be an overpay.
Paredes was a 2x all-star… in 2024 because somebody had to go from TB, so he was selected as a reserve. In 2025, he went as an injury replacement player.
The voting based process leaves some weird AS outcomes, as does the ‘every team needs somebody’ approach… in some cases every year theres guys who get in, but, their performance shouldnt have gotten them there comparatively.
Not saying Paredes didnt deserve to go mind you. Just that having that AS doesnt always reflect a premium the way a GH or SS or similar hardware should.
He was stopped by Jose Rameriez.
It would have to be Paredes+.
Plus they prefer Abreu.
You got that backwards.
@Astros71 – Me too
@orbitsbrother – it is correct that they prefer Abreu over Duran. Contractual reasons mainly
If a deal does get done between the Red Sox and the Astros without a doubt Houston would have to add something of value to the trade package along with Parades to get either Abreu or Duran. Most likely Boston just keeps there outfielders and Houston keeps Paredes. As a Red Sox fan I’m fine with that. I look forward to seeing Mayer at third base this season his superior defense at third will be valuable with this pitching staff.
Bruin1012
48 mins ago
_________________________
Given that Story’s defense was mediocre at shortstop in 2025, the Red Sox need a strong defender at third base, and Paredes isn’t cut out for that role.
I’ll give Mayer carte blanche for 2026.
Damn.
The Red Sox entrusted third base to 20-year-old Bogaerts in the 2013 playoffs.
Hopefully Story will be at least an average shortstop and play a full season this year.
The Pirates will be so close.
The Pirates actually have a chance this time!
The Pirates don’t have a spare MLB OF, so no, they really don’t.
If Jesus Sanchez performs like what the Astros wanted. Sure the Astros may reprioritize what they want.
Thing is, if they can get to the playoffs, and Skenes is still Skenesing and the rest of the rotation is doing well (which is the only way they would get there in the first place), they should have a legitimate shot at beating anyone in a series.
I hear this a great deal and in theory, you’re right. But it’s not the 70’s or 80’s anymore. Starters go 5 or 6 innings. Then what?
Don’t get me wrong, I like the starting staff
It’s just that the game has changed. If they had middle relievers and closers as solid as Skenes, yeah, I’m buying
Or Skenes turns into a throwback n goes 7+ minimum….. 8 or 9 the rest
Playoffs, he would have to turn into 2015/16 Arrieta to get the bucs to playoffs n advance
This. If starting pitching alone won the Reds would have had a chance last year.
Pirates pen should be at least good potentially great. Playoffs starters could go harder and pitch even better.
I realize you are being contrarian again but the “should be” and “could go” parts of your reply concern just about any team with a good pitching staff. Uh, yeah. Of course
The caveat here is a bit more complicated.
Potentially 3 starters or more who have never pitched at the MLB level for half of a season, let alone a full season. Middle relief core who may be overworked thanks to just that.
Injuries, God forbid
Yeah, I agree. The Pirates could be formidable if they get into the playoffs with that pitching staff. But it’s not the olden days. And in many ways, the stars have to align
You’d rather have a team that could beat you in many ways. Pitching. Hitting. Sound defense. Fundamentals.
Washed-Please do not bring logic and wisdom to a discourse on this site.
Pirates have got rid of guys that other teams have picked up. Sign of good depth. They already have shown the ability to find relievers. Now with what appears to be a even better pitching coach they should have no problem. Why would I care if they never started a whole season. Where do you think guys who have come from. Anyone can get hurt. That’s what that guy just signed Mlod Barco Kelly Harrington are for.
You’re talking about pitching by committee then and not about original point, the Pirates starting pitchers.
Please tell me the last time a team with pitching by committee made the big show. That is, a team with a starter or two that made it through the entire season and just kept winning by throwing guys in for starts.
If that’s your point, then why discuss starting pitching staffs at all? Why make predictions?
Yes, the stars have to align—that’s the point
Nope
I’m resigned to the Gonzales/Triolo combo on the left side of the infield at this point. The Triolo part isn’t necessarily a problem, but only if Griffin forces his way into the lineup and hits like your average 3B. Which is asking a LOT of a kid to jump almost two levels and have to perform at that kind of level. But they’ve had all offseason to fix this situation, so not expecting anything but a list of excuses.
I think he’d really have to blow their doors off in spring training for him to come north, even if he *shouid* come north. I agree that this kind of jump is almost too hard to fathom but perhaps he is the generational talent that Skenes is as a pitcher
Hard to see them adding another bat. Despite what some here say, they have no trade capital that would bring a bigger bat
Who knows? Maybe a few of these guys will turn it around this season
Why doesn’t Houston just play Paredes in left field? I know he’s never played there but he can’t be much worse than Altuve or Alvarez out there
Yordan isn’t actually bad they just don’t want to play him there for durability reasons. Between Altuve and Paredes I think Altuve would still be better in LF cause he can still run reasonably well. The question is how viable Paredes is at 2B, and it’s hard to imagine him being any worse there than Altuve at this point.
Unless it’s Matt Shaw, I feel like the Red Sox are done until maybe the end of March. Other teams want to see P. Sandoval, T. Casas, K. Crawford and K. Harrison before they make a trade for any of them.
Bucs should consider moving the left field fence in a bit at PNC – then maybe some RH power hitters will want to play there. Even Cutch suggested it. Paredes is far from a perfect fit at PNC, but they need a legitimate RH power bat or they may never face a RH pitcher.
Look at the stats and stop looking at steryotypes.
Fence isn’t keeping players away. Parades isn’t a power bat many places including Pittsburgh. With so few LHP pirates will face tons of RHP.
They are looking for two way players. Even though he’s a lefty, Baty is the one to trade for. Vientos to me is another Michael Chavis or Bobby Dalbec. Too much risk in my view to give up anything of value for Vientos.
What on Earth would they do with Vientos?
Bet Baty instead buccos.
Ben Cherington is one of the slowest least productive GMs when it comes to free agents and trades. Which is to say, he’s terrible at his job.
Jamie-Cherington has some pluses and minuses.He has basically drafted well and signed low level free agents reasonably well.He has developed pitchers very well.
He has been poor at trading and developing hitters.
He has been poor at making personnel decisions.
He is basically an average GM but a good to very good one is necessary to be employed by small market teams for them to be relatively consistently competitive.
What about a 3 team trade. Paredes to Boston, Herrera to Houston and the Cardinals get some more prospects.
Why do we need to pay this price to get a catcher? We don’t need a starting catcher! A BACKUP catcher.
@sacrifice: As a Mets fan, let me tell you that Vientos should be strictly DH. He’s an absolute butcher in the field and will make you tense up every time a ball is hit to him. So unless the Sox are willing to gamble on a buy-low DH who has a high likelihood of hitting very poorly, I don’t see a fit.
Sacrifice, have you seen him field? Never mind how he regressed at the plate in 25. You need to buy low on Vientis AND have a roster spot for DH duty.
Mark Vientos is not a third baseman he’s absolutely a horrible defensive third baseman and I mean Devers bad third maybe even worse. Maybe he can play first base but he’s probably a DH and no real trade value.
As a RS fan, I am a big no vote for a possible trade. Not impressed and we can handle it internally from a production stdpt. Astros probably won’t get a significant haul as other clubs know astros have surplus to offload.
Geez Breslow….been dancing around this for 3 months. Pull the trigger already…..your bargain bin finds in IKF and Roger’s aren’t going to cut it
In 2013, the Red Sox had 4 outfielders on their roster:
J.Ellsbury(CF) -134G, 1188.1 Inn. CF;
S.Victorino(RF/CF) – 125G, 1021.1 Inn. RF/CF;
J.Gomes(LF) – 113G, 98G LF/4G RF 656.0 Inn., 10G DH;
D.Nava(OF) – 144G, 120G RF/LF/CF 971.0 Inn., 19G 87.1 Inn., 1B 5G DH
So, I don’t see a problem with keeping four outfielders. The last thing I’d want is to see Yoshida in the outfield or anyone in Triple-A if injured.
Injuries happen, and given that Abreu and Anthony are both out for a while in 2025, there needs to be quality replacements.
And even more so, I wouldn’t want to see a butcher in the outfield, as was the case in 2015 – Hanley Ramirez (left field), 2021 – Cordero (left field), 2023 – Yoshida (left field) or the experiments with left field in 2016 (Swihart, Brentz, Young, Holt).
Come on get that Ozuna to the Pirates thread up!
Here before Breslow massively overpays for Paredes
The Astros must have really been down on Melton to trade him to the Rays and create a need in the OF.
I don’ see where the Pirates align with the Astros. They both need OFs.
The Red Sox and Astros align on the principals but I don’t see how it gets done.
I guess they preferred Cole because they thought he was more MLB ready. No Melton was never the solution
Red Sox just got Durbin
STL still has Romero as a possible trade candidate. Paredes to Sox, Romero to Astros, with some package of prospects to fill in the deficiencies and the return to STL.
We don’t need a LHP reliever. We already have 3 and maybe 4 if Sousa is healthy.
Which Interest King will win?
Bucs might shock everyone
Trade Correa to the Braves. Problem solved.
Correa has a NTC.