Red Sox Explore Infield Upgrade: Could Isaac Paredes Be the Key?

The Boston Red Sox have been actively seeking to bolster their infield following the departure of Alex Bregman, who recently signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. With Bregman no longer in the fold, the Red Sox have shifted their focus to improving their infield depth, with multiple reports indicating that they initially set their sights on Arizona Diamondbacks’ three-time All-Star Ketel Marte. However, after failed negotiations, Arizona has taken Marte off the trade block, leaving the Red Sox to look elsewhere.

Paredes: A Target for the Red Sox’s Power-Hitting Needs

Next in line for the Red Sox is a potential trade with the Houston Astros for third baseman Isaac Paredes. The Red Sox, under the direction of chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, have made no secret of their desire to acquire a right-handed power-hitter to balance their predominantly left-handed lineup. Paredes, a two-time All-Star, fits the bill perfectly.

According to Matt Couture, host of the “Raise the Banner” podcast, the Red Sox have been actively exploring trade talks with Houston for the 26-year-old slugger. Paredes, who was traded by the Chicago Cubs to the Astros last offseason as part of the Kyle Tucker deal, would bring much-needed power to Fenway Park’s right field. Paredes is known for his ability to hit the ball to left field, which makes him a prime candidate for the short porch at Fenway’s Green Monster, located just 310 feet from home plate at its closest point.

In his six-year MLB career, spanning four teams, Paredes has totaled 92 home runs and posted a career OPS of .766. In 2025, he put up an impressive OPS of .809, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable hitter. What makes Paredes particularly appealing to the Red Sox is his ability to hit for power, particularly as a dead-pull hitter from the right side of the plate.

Houston Astros Reluctant to Trade Paredes

Despite Paredes’ clear fit for the Red Sox, acquiring him may not be as simple as it seems. According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, multiple team sources have indicated that the Astros have no interest in moving Paredes at this time. Houston seems content with Paredes’ contributions to their lineup and is not actively looking to trade him, despite the Red Sox’s interest.

However, there may still be a glimmer of hope for the Red Sox if they’re willing to sweeten the deal. Rome suggests that if Boston were to offer one of their top prospects—namely, Ceddanne Rafaela or Jarren Duran—the Astros might be more inclined to listen. Both Rafaela and Duran have been highly regarded by the Red Sox and could be seen as valuable trade chips in any potential negotiations for Paredes.

It’s no secret that both Rafaela and Duran have significant potential. Rafaela, known for his stellar defense and ability to get on base, has garnered attention as a future star for the Red Sox. On the other hand, Duran is a dynamic outfielder with speed and contact ability. However, the question remains whether the Red Sox are willing to part with one of these young talents to land a proven power hitter like Paredes.

Is Paredes the Missing Piece for Boston?

The Red Sox’s pursuit of Isaac Paredes makes a lot of sense given their current roster construction and needs. With Bregman’s departure, they’re in desperate need of right-handed power to balance their predominantly left-handed lineup, which has been one of their most glaring weaknesses. Paredes, with his ability to hit to left field and his potential to thrive in Fenway Park, could be the exact type of hitter the Red Sox need to contend in the tough AL East.

However, acquiring Paredes will not be without its challenges. The Astros’ reluctance to trade him, coupled with the high asking price, means the Red Sox will need to weigh their options carefully. While Rafaela and Duran are both promising prospects, trading them away for Paredes could be a risky move, as it would deplete the team’s young talent pool in exchange for a player with just one year remaining under contract.

The Trade Deadline Looms

With the offseason progressing and the spring training quickly approaching, the Red Sox face an important decision in the coming weeks. Will they pursue Isaac Paredes aggressively and potentially offer up Rafaela or Duran to land their target? Or will they explore other avenues to upgrade their infield and balance their lineup?

As it stands, the Red Sox are still in search of that elusive right-handed power hitter. Whether they succeed in acquiring Paredes or shift their focus elsewhere, this next move will undoubtedly have a significant impact on their lineup for the upcoming season.

Fans in Boston will be keeping a close eye on how the front office navigates these trade discussions, as the outcome could shape the future of the team’s roster and their chances of contending in 2026. With key decisions on the horizon, the Red Sox are once again at a crossroads, and how they handle this situation could define their future.