The Houston Astros are facing a pivotal decision as Opening Day approaches, with the spotlight firmly on Isaac Paredes. It’s become increasingly clear that the Astros are likely to trade Paredes to alleviate their crowded corner infield situation, especially after their unsuccessful attempts to move Christian Walker during the offseason.

Throughout the winter, Paredes has attracted significant interest, and while the Astros have already added Joey Loperfido, they’re still on the hunt for a left-handed bat. Trading Paredes could be the key to achieving that, but perhaps Astros GM Dana Brown should also consider the long-term implications.

With Brown operating under a one-year contract, his focus understandably leans towards immediate success. If the Astros fall short of the postseason for a second consecutive year, Brown’s tenure might be in jeopardy. However, a broader strategy could involve a thorough evaluation of Houston’s farm system, which has lagged behind in recent years.

The Astros have a golden opportunity to revitalize their pipeline, especially with a treasure trove of draft picks in 2026. Hunter Brown’s impressive third-place finish in the Cy Young race last season has positioned Houston with two of the first 28 picks in the upcoming draft. Missing the playoffs last season means they’ll also enjoy higher selections in each round, boasting five picks within the first 121.

Given Paredes’ power, affordable contract, and two years of team control, the Astros could potentially acquire a top-50 prospect or multiple top-10 prospects from an organization eager to add his bat to their lineup.

This trade could be the catalyst for rebuilding a farm system that’s crucial for the Astros’ future. With key players like Framber Valdez, Alex Bregman, and Kyle Tucker already departed, the potential loss of stars like Jeremy Peña and Hunter Brown looms large. Securing young, affordable talent now could safeguard the franchise’s competitiveness in the years to come.

While trading Paredes might bolster the Astros’ immediate prospects, the smarter move might be to prioritize long-term gains by acquiring promising young talent that can sustain the team’s success down the line.