The Baltimore Orioles will begin the 2026 season without Jordan Westburg for at least the first two months after he suffered a partial tear to his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). While the injury does not end his season, it forces Baltimore to seek alternatives to cover Westburg’s role in the lineup, creating an urgent need for an infielder replacement.
Potential Trade for Isaac Paredes to Address Infield Gap
Mike Elias, the Orioles’ president of baseball operations, has actively enhanced the team’s roster throughout the offseason, but the injury to Westburg may prompt one more significant roster move. Speculation has grown around Baltimore acquiring Houston Astros’ third baseman Isaac Paredes, whose playing time has been limited due to the Astros’ infield depth.
With injuries mounting, including Jackson Holliday starting the season sidelined by a hamate bone injury, the Orioles are exploring trade options to strengthen the infield. Christopher Kline of FanSided recommends Baltimore moving to acquire Paredes, positioning him as a critical solution for the Orioles’ current concerns.
The Orioles receive a two-time All-Star with a couple years of cheap club control in Isaac Paredes. He fills an immediate need and should elevate what already projects (with enough positive regression) to be one of the more potent lineups in the American League, especially if Gunnar Henderson meets expectations and returns to MVP contention.
?Christopher Kline, MLB Writer
Reports suggest it is increasingly likely that Houston will trade Paredes soon, and the Orioles stand as promising candidates to secure the infielder’s services.
Isaac Paredes’ Impact and Versatility for Baltimore
During the 2025 season, Isaac Paredes posted a .254 batting average, delivered 20 home runs, and maintained an OPS+ of 123 over 102 games with the Astros. Such numbers reflect well above average production, making him a valuable addition.
Paredes could immediately take over at third base for the Orioles while Westburg is recovering. Even after Westburg returns, Paredes’ versatility presents Baltimore with multiple options, including a potential shift to second base if Jackson Holliday’s injury lingers or serving as the designated hitter.
The Orioles have built a strong farm system over recent years, yet the team is now focused on competing for the American League East title. Players like Samuel Basallo are expected to contribute regularly, which might offer Baltimore flexibility in the roster, such as possibly trading Adley Rutschman to balance any deal for Paredes. This would mitigate talent loss while ensuring lineup depth.
Consistently strong performance metrics underline Paredes’ trade value, as he has posted an OPS+ of 112 or higher over the past four seasons. His status as a reliable and affordable infielder on the trade market positions him as one of the top candidates to fill the Orioles’ immediate needs.
Looking Ahead: Orioles’ Strategy to Address Early Season Injuries
The combination of Westburg’s injury and Holliday’s absence places Baltimore in a position to make strategic moves with the postseason in mind. Bringing in Isaac Paredes would address the team’s urgent requirements in the infield and add offensive firepower. Given Elias’s proactive offseason approach, securing Paredes could represent the final piece to strengthen the Orioles’ lineup and maintain momentum toward competing for the AL East crown in 2026.
