The Houston Astros have made a clear statement this offseason: they’re not standing pat. After bringing in Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, along with Mike Burrows and Ryan Weiss, the Astros have added real depth to their starting rotation – and they’re feeling good about where things stand on the mound heading into 2026.

But as solid as the rotation looks on paper, Houston’s front office still has a few more boxes to check before pitchers and catchers report. The club is reportedly exploring trade options involving Christian Walker, Isaac Paredes, or Jesús Sánchez – all in an effort to trim payroll and address lingering roster needs. Specifically, the Astros are still in the market for a backup catcher, a left-handed bat, and a few bullpen reinforcements.

Let’s start with the catching situation. Houston’s been on the hunt for a backup behind the plate all winter, and with spring training creeping closer, the odds of Victor Caratini returning are dwindling.

That leaves the Astros in a bit of a bind. They need someone who can handle a pitching staff, provide steady defense, and ideally, chip in with the bat when called upon.

Enter the Cincinnati Reds.

Cincinnati has a bit of a logjam behind the plate. Tyler Stephenson is locked in as the starter, and the Reds added former Dodgers catcher Ben Rortvedt on a one-year deal after claiming him off waivers in November. Carrying three catchers into the regular season isn’t exactly standard practice, which raises an interesting possibility: could Jose Trevino be on the move?

Trevino, who arrived in Cincinnati via trade from the Yankees, is best known for his glove – and he’s got the Platinum Glove Award to prove it. But he’s not just a defensive specialist.

Early last season, Trevino flashed some offensive upside, slashing .288/.322/.477 through the first two months before wearing down in the second half as Stephenson dealt with injuries. That dip came with the grind of everyday catching duties – a role he wouldn’t be asked to fill in Houston.

Financially, Trevino fits the bill. He’s under contract through 2027 with a club option for 2028, and he’s set to earn just $5.25 million this season. For a team like the Astros looking for cost-effective depth at a premium position, that’s a solid value.

Now, what would it take to get a deal done?

The Reds have been looking to add a power bat this offseason, and Jesús Sánchez might be an intriguing trade chip. His stint with Houston didn’t go as planned, but he still brings left-handed pop – something Cincinnati has been actively seeking. Including Sánchez in a deal could help the Astros save around $1 million in salary, while also addressing their catching need in one move.

Of course, a trade like this might require more than just a one-for-one swap. Prospects could be involved to balance things out, especially given Trevino’s contract and defensive value.

But the framework is there. It’s the kind of deal that makes sense for both sides: the Reds get a bat with upside, and the Astros shore up a key hole on the roster with a glove-first catcher who won’t break the bank.

If Houston can’t find their guy in free agency, a trade with Cincinnati might just be the most logical path forward.