Astros Face Infield Dilemma with Slugger Paredes

Houston must decide whether to trade, keep or wait on 27-year-old infielder with power potential

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Houston Astros face a roster challenge heading into Spring Training, with five starting-caliber infielders vying for four spots. One of those players, 27-year-old Isaac Paredes, is the most likely to be traded before Opening Day despite his strong 2025 season that saw him hit 36 extra-base hits in 102 games. The Astros have been in discussions with five teams about Paredes, and nearly traded him last week in an effort to acquire utility player Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals. However, Donovan ultimately joined the Seattle Mariners. The Astros are still seeking a left-handed hitter to balance their lineup, but trading Paredes may not be the best move given the injury history of their veteran infielders and the potential for Paredes to provide lineup flexibility and power production.

Why it matters

The Astros' infield logjam is a complex issue that speaks to the challenges of roster management for a contending team. Paredes is a cost-controlled, power-hitting infielder who could provide valuable depth, but the Astros may feel pressure to trade him to address other roster needs. This decision will have implications for the Astros' lineup construction, playoff aspirations, and long-term roster planning.

The details

The Astros' infield includes Jeremy Peña, Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve, Christian Walker, and Isaac Paredes. Paredes, acquired in a 2024 trade, is the most likely to be traded despite his strong 2025 season. The Astros nearly dealt Paredes last week in an effort to acquire Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals, but Donovan ultimately joined the Mariners. The Astros are still seeking a left-handed hitter to balance their lineup, but trading Paredes may not be the best move given the injury history of their veteran infielders and Paredes' potential to provide lineup flexibility and power production.

  • The Astros will hold their first full-squad Spring Training workout in West Palm Beach, Florida, next Monday.
  • Paredes will turn 27 years old next week.

The players

Dana Brown

The Houston Astros' general manager who faces the roster challenge of allocating four infield slots among five starting-caliber infielders.

Jeremy Peña

One of the Astros' starting-caliber infielders, a former champion with plenty of baseball left in his career.

Carlos Correa

One of the Astros' starting-caliber infielders, a former champion with plenty of baseball left in his career.

Jose Altuve

One of the Astros' starting-caliber infielders, a former champion with plenty of baseball left in his career.

Isaac Paredes

A 27-year-old infielder acquired by the Astros in a 2024 trade, who hit 36 extra-base hits in 102 games in 2025 before a July hamstring strain.

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What they’re saying

“Isaac Paredes reaches the Crawford Boxes for a big go-ahead home run!”

— MLB (Twitter)

What’s next

The Astros will continue pursuing a left-handed hitter before Opening Day, which could impact their decision on Paredes. The team may wait until the July trade deadline to assess their infield situation and make a decision on Paredes at that time.

The takeaway

The Astros' infield surplus is a complex issue that highlights the challenges of roster management for a contending team. While trading Paredes could address other needs, his power potential and lineup flexibility make him a valuable asset that the Astros should be cautious about moving too quickly. The team's decision on Paredes will have significant implications for their 2026 season and beyond.