Red Sox Discussed 3-Team Trade with Astros, Cardinals for Infield Help

The proposed deal would have sent Isaac Paredes to Boston and Brendan Donovan to Houston.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Boston Red Sox were in talks with the Houston Astros and St. Louis Cardinals about a three-team trade that would have brought infielder Isaac Paredes to Boston. However, the deal fell through after the Cardinals traded Brendan Donovan to the Seattle Mariners, making the three-way swap impossible.

Why it matters

The Red Sox are in need of infield help this offseason after losing Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs. Acquiring Paredes, an All-Star third baseman, would have been a significant upgrade for Boston's lineup and addressed a key roster need.

The details

According to reports, the proposed three-team trade would have sent Paredes from the Astros to the Red Sox, while the Astros would have acquired utility player Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals. However, the Cardinals ended up trading Donovan to the Seattle Mariners, preventing the three-way deal from happening.

  • The trade discussions took place in February 2026.

The players

Isaac Paredes

An All-Star third baseman currently playing for the Houston Astros.

Brendan Donovan

A utility player who was previously with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Boston Red Sox

A Major League Baseball team in need of infield help this offseason.

Houston Astros

The team that would have sent Paredes to the Red Sox in the proposed three-team trade.

St. Louis Cardinals

The team that was involved in the three-team trade discussions with the Red Sox and Astros.

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What they’re saying

“In another sign that the Houston Astros are trying to lessen their infield surplus, the team had serious discussions about a three-way trade in which they would have sent Isaac Paredes to Boston and acquired utilityman Brendan Donovan.”

— Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal, Reporters (The Athletic)

What’s next

With the three-team trade no longer an option, the Red Sox will need to adjust their offer to the Astros in order to acquire Paredes in a standalone deal. The two teams have already been in discussions about the All-Star infielder, so a trade is still a possibility this offseason.

The takeaway

The Red Sox's pursuit of Paredes highlights their urgent need to improve their infield this offseason. While the three-team trade fell through, the team's interest in the Astros' All-Star third baseman remains, and they will likely continue to explore trade options to land him and bolster their lineup.