The Boston Red Sox are actively seeking to bolster their infield by pursuing Isaac Paredes of the Houston Astros as the offseason nears its end. Both teams are looking to rebound from challenging 2025 seasons—the Red Sox made the playoffs but were eliminated in the AL Wild Card Series, while the Astros missed postseason play for the first time since 2017. Interest in Paredes, who faces limited playing time behind established Astros infielders, has grown among multiple clubs, with Boston among the leading contenders.
With a crowded Astros infield lineup that includes Jose Altuve, Jeremy Pena, Christian Walker, and Carlos Correa, Paredes is positioned as a fifth infielder and unlikely to see regular starts. His offensive production and versatility have drawn attention all offseason. According to Chandler Rome of the Crush City Territory podcast, the Red Sox are one of five teams showing serious interest in acquiring Paredes.
I have only heard Isaac Paredes being talked about as among those what they’re gaining momentum in,
Rome said.
He is the guy that I keep hearing is the one that is being sought after the most. I’ve heard as many as five teams have shown legitimate and aggressive interest in Isaac Paredes… The Boston Red Sox, as we know, they remain interested in Paredes.
Boston’s infield currently has key vacancies following the departure of Alex Bregman, and prospects like Marcelo Mayer are expected to fill spots prematurely, with Mayer slated to start at third base. Trevor Story is set to hold down shortstop, and newly acquired Willson Contreras will take over at first base. Adding Paredes would provide a much-needed upgrade, particularly at second base. Last season, Paredes posted a .254 batting average with 20 home runs and 53 RBIs, backed by an .809 OPS. While his defensive metrics show challenges at third base (-4 Defensive Runs Saved), he performed closer to average at first base (0 DRS).
Astros Favor Wilyer Abreu Over Red Sox Outfielder Jarren Duran
In parallel trade discussions, the Boston Red Sox have made outfielder Jarren Duran available after depth emerged in their outfield with the rise of Ceddane Rafaela and Roman Anthony, alongside their reliance on two-time Gold Glove winner Wilyer Abreu. However, sources indicate that Houston’s preference leans toward Abreu rather than Duran, complicating trade negotiations.
Red Sox insider Matthew Crory shared on his X account that Houston would need to reallocate payroll resources if talks about Isaac Paredes involved Duran, but the Astros favor Abreu, whom Boston appears reluctant to trade.
Per Chandler Rome, the Astros would need to shift money around if Parades talks are focused to Duran,
Crory said.
Astros prefer Wilyer Abreu and Boston has not wanted to move Abreu.
The decision to retain Abreu aligns with Boston’s earlier offseason choices when they bypassed veteran infielders Eugenio Suarez and Luis Arraez to prioritize defensive improvements. Abreu’s defensive potential is considered one of the most promising on the team, making him a valuable asset for the Red Sox. Offensively, Abreu contributed a .247 average with 22 home runs and 69 RBIs in 2025. Duran, by comparison, experienced a slowdown, hitting .256 with 16 home runs and 84 RBIs, after posting an 8.7 bWAR in the previous season.
Trade Dynamics Reflect Offseason Urgency for Both Teams
Both Boston and Houston are navigating complex roster puzzles as the offseason winds down, trying to balance performance upgrades with financial constraints such as the luxury tax. The Red Sox’s drive to secure Paredes reflects their commitment to shoring up their infield deficiencies, while the Astros are simultaneously managing a logjam of infield talent and evaluating cost-effective moves to maintain payroll flexibility.
These discussions underscore broader strategic shifts as contenders retool following 2025’s unexpected outcomes. The Red Sox’s interest in Isaac Paredes is a critical element in their plan to improve a lineup that showed promise but still left key questions unanswered. Houston’s choice to lean toward retaining players like Wilyer Abreu illustrates their preference for youth and defensive skill, even as they consider moving other assets to open playing time.
As trade deadlines approach, all eyes will remain on these negotiations to see if the Red Sox can enhance their roster in time to challenge for higher postseason success and whether the Astros can resolve their infield surplus while managing financial limits. The fate of Isaac Paredes in this transaction will heavily influence both teams’ paths into the 2026 season.
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