Houston Astros infielder Isaac Paredes has been linked to trade rumors for what seems like forever, and it feels like a deal could happen at any moment or not at all.
The Astros have a logjam at the corners and are trying to clear some salary, but moving Christian Walker has proven difficult. Meanwhile, several teams have expressed interest in Paredes, making him a frequent name in trade speculation among analysts and media.
Yordan Alvarez could impact that plan. While Alvarez has been penciled in as the Astros everyday DH, he doesn’t seem too thrilled with the idea. He has experience in left field and seems to want a chance to return there in 2026. Alvarez has suggested that his significant injuries have not come from playing left field, according to reports this offseason. Most of his injuries came from other plays and movements on the field.
If Houston gives Alvarez some outfield time, even a couple of days a week, it could free up at-bats for both Paredes and Walker. Alvarez wouldn’t be the full-time left fielder, but a partial schedule in the outfield could help the Astros balance their lineup without moving Paredes. However, these elite athletes are entering the 2026 season expecting to play the majority of the games. Is there room for all of them to get the playing time they expect?
That being said, all signs are pointing to trade speculation rather than a confirmed move. Between Walker’s contract making him difficult to move and Paredes being under team control until 2027 while earning under $10 million, Paredes is viewed as the easier trade option by analysts.