Isaac Paredes on Astros’ Chopping Block Again as Spiraling Woes Continue, Says Analyst

Although the analyst didn’t mention any probable teams, the way he mentioned the Astros’ struggles intensifies the possibilities of the trade. Houston is currently fourth in the AL West with a 15-23 record this season. Although they have recovered from their eight straight defeats earlier, there is still a lot of inconsistency. The last time they won more than two consecutive games was at the end of March. And as of May 7, the Astros have a -37 run differential.

The MLB trade deadline is on August 3. There isn’t a high possibility for the Astros to make a huge bounce-back before that. At the start of the year, Isaac Paredes was a trade candidate because the team had an extra infielder. Now, injuries have hit the team hard, but those struggles might actually make a trade even more likely.

Astros’ infield picture no longer looks crowded

Even before the performance metrics were considered, Dana Brown was going through a logjam in the infield. The Astros had Carlos Correa, Jeremy Peña, and Jose Altuve alongside Walker and Paredes fighting for the four spots. Earlier in March, Rosenthal pointed out that Paredes might be the one Brown would go for.

The Astros signed a 1-year, $9.35 million extension in 2026 with Paredes to avoid arbitration. And the deal includes a $13.35 club option for 2027. This made the 27-year-old a better trade piece compared to Walker, who recently turned 35.

However, the injuries have changed the Astros’ infield situation. Peña was placed on a 10-day IL Grade 1 right hamstring strain on April 11. He is still recovering, but the Astros are expecting his return soon. In the meantime, Correa suffered a season-ending injury on May 6. He completely tore the tendon on his left ankle during some practice swings.

Now, normally, with so many key players out, Paredes would be too important to trade. However, the Astros are not winning, and this might prompt them to make drastic changes. Just like the Orioles in 2018, who traded away Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop after realising their core was broken, the Astros are looking at a lost season.

Since he has an affordable contract, he is still their best trade option. Trading him would allow Houston to get back young talent and start rebuilding for next year. Even though the infield is thin right now, the team’s losing record means no one, except Yordan Alvarez, is truly safe from being traded.

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