The Houston Astros’ versatile infielder Isaac Paredes has attracted considerable attention throughout the offseason, particularly from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite this, Astros general manager Dana Brown has retained Paredes, who can effectively play both third base and second base. Several teams, including the Boston Red Sox, showed interest during the offseason. The Red Sox, seeking what Houston desired in return—a left-handed hitting outfielder like Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu—ultimately acquired Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers instead.
The Pittsburgh Pirates also emerged as serious candidates to acquire Paredes. According to Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic, interest from Pittsburgh surfaced just prior to the start of spring training.
Boston remains one of at least five teams engaged with the Astros about Paredes, according to multiple league sources. Another is the Pittsburgh Pirates, who need an upgrade at third base and tried unsuccessfully to sign free agent Eugenio Suárez before his agreement with the Cincinnati Reds,
they reported.
Why the Pirates Are Considering Paredes to Enhance Their Infield
The Pirates had sought to fill their third base vacancy by signing free agent Eugenio Suárez, who eventually signed with Cincinnati, a National League Central rival. With that opportunity gone, trading for Paredes, who offers both versatility and power, fits the Pirates’ current needs during a spring filled with uncertainties at the hot corner.
The Pirates and Astros don’t seem to line up well as trading partners, but let’s agree to never say never. And as much as PNC Park suppresses power, Paredes’ special brand of pull power is adaptable to any ballpark,
wrote Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report.
Although the two franchises do not align naturally as trade partners, and the Pirates lack the specific assets Houston desires in an MLB-ready outfielder, the possibility of reaching a deal remains if both sides prioritize a trade.
Assessing Paredes’ Suitability for Pittsburgh’s Ballpark and Roster
Pittsburgh is eager not to miss the chance to build around promising young talent like Paul Skenes by making a playoff push. The Pirates recently completed a multi-team trade involving the Astros, sending pitcher Mike Burrows to Houston while acquiring second baseman Brandon Lowe, pitcher Mason Montgomery, and outfielder Jake Mangum from Tampa Bay.
Isaac Paredes, a two-time All-Star, posted a solid 2023 campaign with the Astros, batting .254 with a .352 on-base percentage, .458 slugging, 20 home runs, and 53 RBIs across 102 games. Three years ago, he had a 30-home run season with Tampa Bay, driving in 98 runs. At 27 years old, Paredes is on a one-year, $9.35 million contract with Houston, which includes a $13.35 million club option for 2027.
The continued rumors surrounding Paredes throughout the offseason and spring training signal that a move could be imminent. His combination of power and on-base skills would be complementary to the Pirates’ lineup, and his hitting style suits the nuances of PNC Park, which typically suppresses power numbers.
By trading for Paredes, Pittsburgh could address a critical infield need while strengthening a roster that appears more competitive on paper heading into the 2026 season.
