Astros Refuse to Trade Isaac Paredes, Leaving Red Sox Seeking Upgrades

Houston GM says Paredes is part of their plans, forcing Boston to explore other infield options

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action and strategy of the sport.The Astros' refusal to trade away a key infielder leaves the Red Sox searching for alternative ways to bolster their lineup and remain competitive in the AL East.Boston Today

The Boston Red Sox have been searching for a game-changing bat to bolster their lineup after losing Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs. Rumors swirled around potential trades for players like Eugenio Suárez and Brendan Donovan, but those leads have gone cold. Now, the focus has shifted to Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros, but Astros GM Dana Brown has made it clear that Paredes is part of their plans and they are not eager to trade him away.

Why it matters

The Red Sox's inability to land a proven power hitter like Paredes leaves them in a tough spot as they try to improve their roster and compete in the tough AL East. They may have to rely on internal options or explore lesser-known prospects, which could be risky. The Astros' stance on Paredes also raises questions about their valuation of the player and whether the Red Sox are missing out on other potential targets.

The details

In a recent statement, Astros GM Dana Brown told The Athletic's Chandler Rome that both Paredes and Christian Walker are still part of the Astros' roster and they have plans for both of them to play. While Brown didn't rule out a trade, he made it clear the Astros are not eager to let Paredes go. This puts the Red Sox in a difficult position, as they were reportedly interested in acquiring Paredes to bolster their lineup. With Paredes off the table, the Red Sox are now exploring other infield options, including players like Matt Shaw and Nico Hoerner from the Cubs, as well as internal options like Marcelo Mayer, Romy Gonzalez, and David Hamilton.

  • On April 13, 2026, Astros GM Dana Brown made a statement about Paredes and Walker's futures with the team.

The players

Dana Brown

The general manager of the Houston Astros.

Isaac Paredes

A first baseman and part of the Houston Astros' roster, who the Red Sox were reportedly interested in acquiring.

Christian Walker

A player on the Houston Astros' roster, who was also mentioned by GM Dana Brown as part of the team's plans.

Alex Bregman

A player who the Boston Red Sox lost to the Chicago Cubs.

Eugenio Suárez

A player who was previously rumored to be a target for the Red Sox.

Brendan Donovan

A player who was previously rumored to be a target for the Red Sox.

Marcelo Mayer

A player who the Red Sox may consider as an internal option to bolster their infield.

Romy Gonzalez

A player who the Red Sox may consider as an internal option to bolster their infield.

David Hamilton

A player who the Red Sox may consider as an internal option to bolster their infield.

Kristian Campbell

A player who the Red Sox may consider, though he likely needs more seasoning in Triple-A.

Matt Shaw

A player from the Chicago Cubs who the Red Sox may be interested in acquiring.

Nico Hoerner

A player from the Chicago Cubs who the Red Sox may be interested in acquiring.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Right now, both of them are still part of our roster, and we have plans for both of them to play. Our current plan is for them to be with us.”

— Dana Brown, Houston Astros General Manager

What’s next

The Red Sox will likely continue to explore trade options for infield upgrades, including players from the Cubs, as well as evaluate their internal options like Mayer, Gonzalez, and Hamilton. The Astros' stance on Paredes could force the Red Sox to pivot to lesser-known prospects or double down on their pursuit of a proven bat.

The takeaway

The Red Sox's inability to land a power hitter like Paredes highlights the challenges they face in improving their roster and competing in the tough AL East. The Astros' refusal to trade Paredes raises questions about their valuation of the player and whether the Red Sox are missing out on other potential targets. This trade saga will likely continue to be a topic of discussion as the Red Sox explore their options to bolster their lineup.