Could There Be New Interest in Astros’ Paredes?
Imagine the excitement as teams jockey for position in the MLB trade landscape! The recent acquisition of third baseman Caleb Durbin by the Boston Red Sox has stirred the pot, leaving fans pondering its implications. While this move removes the Red Sox as a trading partner for the Houston Astros in their efforts to resolve their infield congestion, it may have simultaneously opened the door for another team to step in.
With the news breaking today that the Boston Red Sox have successfully secured 3B Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers, the Red Sox are no longer viable candidates for a trade with the Astros. This situation is particularly pivotal as both teams navigate the complexities of their rosters. However, it also potentially paves the way for the Brewers to seek a new third baseman, aligning perfectly with their need for increased power in their lineup.
Isaac Paredes, currently under contract for two more seasons with a predetermined salary, could be an attractive option for the Brewers. Their fiscal approach is evident, as they rank 20th in Major League Baseball with a payroll slightly above $127 million, which is about $16.5 million less than their tax payroll in 2025. This financial backdrop suggests that taking on Paredes' contract would not stretch their budget too thin.
Let's explore a potential trade scenario:
Astros send: 3B Isaac Paredes
Brewers send: CF Garrett Mitchell, LHP J.D. Thompson
In this proposed trade, the Astros would gain Garrett Mitchell, a left-handed hitting center fielder known for his above-average defensive skills. Remarkably, he ranks in the 89th percentile for arm strength (throwing at 90 MPH) and the 87th percentile for sprint speed (29 feet per second).
It’s important to note that Mitchell faced challenges at the plate last season, only managing a small sample size of 68 at-bats due to an oblique injury, followed by shoulder surgery that sidelined him for the rest of the year. However, during his more active 2024 season, he showcased his potential with eight home runs, 21 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases across 196 at-bats, all while hitting .255 with a .342 on-base percentage and an impressive .812 OPS. His batting averages against both right- and left-handed pitchers are quite similar, but he reserves most of his power for right-handers—a precise fit for the Astros’ current needs.
Adding Mitchell to the Astros would provide them with flexibility, allowing them to integrate Cam Smith into a backup role for center field while he continues to develop his defensive skills in right field. Moreover, bolstering their left-handed power against righties would create a more balanced lineup, especially with right-handed hitters like Sanchez, Mitchell, Cole in the outfield, and Yordan Alvarez designated hitting.
On the pitching front, J.D. Thompson, a promising 22-year-old left-handed pitcher selected in the second round of the 2025 draft, adds depth to the Astros' prospects. His fastball typically clocks in between 91-93 MPH, occasionally reaching up to 95 MPH, making him a formidable strikeout threat as he consistently induces swings and misses. He also features a sweeper primarily aimed at left-handed batters, along with a curveball and changeup. If he continues refining his secondary pitches, he has the potential to develop into a solid mid-rotation starter.
For the Brewers, acquiring Paredes would mean injecting much-needed right-handed power into their lineup at a position where they currently lack an adequate solution. Given that American Family Field is particularly accommodating to right-handed pull hitters, it’s likely that Paredes would see a surge in his power numbers when transitioning from Daikin Park to American Family Field, according to advanced metrics.
This potential trade offers multiple benefits for the Astros:
- It alleviates the crowded infield situation.
- They acquire a left-handed hitting outfielder.
- They reduce their payroll by nearly $8 million.
- They gain a promising left-handed pitching prospect.
It’s crucial to highlight that this isn’t an indication of ongoing negotiations; rather, it’s an exploration of how both teams’ needs might align through a strategic trade.
This scenario arguably presents an appealing match for both franchises. What do you think? Is this trade something the Astros should pursue? Or do you see other options on the horizon? Share your thoughts in the comments!
