Houston Astros Linked to Former Dodgers Outfielder

Astros may sign free agent Michael Conforto as trade talks for Isaac Paredes diminish

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Houston Astros are reportedly considering signing free agent outfielder Michael Conforto as trade talks for third baseman Isaac Paredes have diminished. Conforto, a left-handed hitter, is coming off a down year with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Astros see him as a potential bargain addition to balance their lineup.

Why it matters

The Astros are looking to retool their roster after missing the playoffs last season, ending an eight-year postseason streak. Adding Conforto could provide a power-hitting left-handed bat to complement their right-handed heavy lineup, while the Paredes situation highlights the team's need to address their infield depth.

The details

Conforto, 32, signed a one-year, $17 million deal with the Dodgers last year but struggled, hitting just .199/.305/.333 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs in 128 games. The Astros are interested in signing him as a free agent, with trade talks for Paredes, who is limited to a DH role, diminishing. Paredes put up a solid 2.3 bWAR for the Astros in 2025, hitting .254/.352/.458 with 20 home runs, but his future with the team remains uncertain.

  • The Astros' eight-year postseason streak ended in 2025.
  • Conforto signed a one-year, $17 million deal with the Dodgers prior to the 2025 season.
  • The Astros signed Paredes to a one-year, $9.35 million contract last month, with a $13.35 million club option.

The players

Michael Conforto

A 32-year-old free agent outfielder who is coming off a down year with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Isaac Paredes

A 26-year-old third baseman who put up a 2.3 bWAR for the Astros in 2025, but is limited to a DH role on the current roster.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“With their chances of trading 3B Isaac Paredes diminishing, the Astros have expressed interest in free agent OF Michael Conforto”

— Brian McTaggart, Astros beat writer for MLB.com (MLB.com)

“I only control what I do on the field. That's the part I'm focused on. Whatever they're going to do, that's out of my control. That's what leadership and management is going to do.”

— Isaac Paredes (Instagram)

What’s next

The Astros will continue to evaluate their options for addressing their outfield and infield needs, with the potential signing of Conforto and the future of Paredes still to be determined.

The takeaway

The Astros are in a transitional phase after their long postseason streak ended, and they are exploring creative ways to retool their roster, including potentially adding a veteran outfielder like Conforto while also figuring out how to best utilize a versatile player like Paredes.