As the winter meetings hit their second full day in Orlando, Fla., we know that the Boston Red Sox are interested in a reunion with free agent Alex Bregman. We also know they've checked in on the availability of Ketel Marte in trade talks with the Arizona Diamondbacks. And we know they've had a video conference call with free agent Bo Bichette.

But there's a new name in the mix: Houston Astros infielder Isaac Paredes, who Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic reports Boston has interest in:

Paredes, who is under club control for two more seasons with a projected $9.3 million salary in 2026, is yet another hitter in whom the Red Sox have expressed interest, according to sources briefed on their discussions. He presumably would play first base for the Sox if Bregman returned at third, and the price for him likely would be steep. The Astros, seeking controllable starting pitchers, are interested in one of the Red Sox’s two young lefties, Payton Tolle or Connelly Early.

About Paredes

Still just 26 years old, Paredes is already a six-year veteran of the Detroit Tigers, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs and Astros. A .254 career hitter, he's already got three seasons of 20 home runs or more, and he hit just 20 in an injury-shortened (102 games) season in 2025.

He's a dead-pull hitter, but that would play well with the Green Monster in left field at Fenway Park.

What his move would mean

If Boston were to acquire Paredes, Triston Casas would continue to fall out of the picture. The former first-round pick has had a hard time staying healthy in the big leagues and appears to have lost his grip on the starting first base job. The Red Sox are also interested in Pete Alonso and will reportedly meet with him at the winter meetings.

Can Boston afford to move Tolle and/or Early?

On the surface? Yes. Beneath the surface? It would be tough.

Heading into 2026, the Red Sox don't have immediate room for both pitchers in the big leagues. Garrett Crochet, Johan Oviedo, Brayan Bello and Sonny Gray are assured rotation spots, and the team has Kutter Crawford, Patrick Sandoval, Kyle Harrison, Early and Tolle as options for the fifth spot. If they are confident in those other names to win the No. 5 job, then they could move either of the young starters, who both debuted in 2025.

However, Gray is a free agent after the 2026 season, as is Sandoval, so it would be understandable if Boston wanted to hold onto both pitchers for the future.

More Red Sox stories

Red Sox reportedly interested in re-acquiring catcher Kyle Teel

Alex Cora praises Roman Anthony in MLB Network guest spot

Roger Clemens denied Hall of Fame for a 12th time

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Remember to join our RED SOX on ROUNDTABLE community, which is FREE! You can post your own thoughts, in text or video form, and you can engage with our Roundtable staff, as well as other Red Sox fans. If prompted to download the Roundtable APP, that's free too!