Reddit AMA with beat reporter Brian McTaggart

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On Friday, MLB.com Astros beat reporter Brian McTaggart took questions from fans in an r/Astros AMA. The full conversation can be viewed here, but below is a sampling of the best questions and answers, lightly edited for clarity.

Thanks again for doing these, Tags. It seems like speculation on a [Christian] Walker/[Isaac] Paredes trade has cooled off significantly since the start of Spring Training. Would you say it's more likely than not that we start the season with both on the roster?

The chances of the Astros trading Paredes remain "slim," a source reiterated to MLB.com on Friday, but that doesn't mean they won't make a trade. The finger injury to Jeremy Peña isn't expected to last much into April, if it does, so a deal for Paredes could still happen. Jake Meyers could also be part of a trade package, which is why the Astros are taking a look at Cam Smith, Zach Cole and Brice Matthews in center field this spring. They need a left-handed bat, which would likely come in the form of an outfielder. To answer your question, I say it's more likely than not that a trade will be made. Remember, after the Astros acquired Joey Loperfido last month, Dana Brown said, "We're not done yet."

If the six-man rotation starts out as Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, Tatsuya Imai, Mike Burrows, Spencer Arrighetti and Lance McCullers Jr., then do AJ Blubaugh and Costanza start at AAA and Miguel Ullola in the bullpen?

If those are your six starters to begin the season -- and they still haven't said if they would open with a five-man or six-man rotation -- then I could see Blubaugh making the club as a multi-inning reliever. The team really liked what they saw him in last year in relief and have added enough starting pitching depth that they could keep him in the bullpen. Costanza (Jason Alexander, for those of you who don't watch Seinfeld), and Ullola are likely headed to the Triple-A rotation, along with Colton Gordon, who was optioned from camp on Thursday.

How are the clubhouse vibes this season so far compared to last season? There seemed to be some discontent behind the scenes last season. So far, in Spring Training, the guys seem much happier. If there is a difference, why do you think that is?

I wouldn't say there was any discontent last season. The injuries they had last year and the constant roster moves certainly created a revolving door in the clubhouse. That being said, one of the reasons the Astros traded for Carlos Correa last year was for his leadership in the clubhouse. The club had a bit of a leadership void following the departure of veterans like Michael Brantley, Martín Maldonado and Alex Bregman in past years. The vibe so far this spring is very good. Tatsuya Imai's fun personality has been a nice addition, and the young players like Cam Smith and Brice Matthews bring good vibes every day. Lance McCullers Jr. appears more laid back and relaxed in his environment in past years, which is likely the result of him being healthy finally.

Do Jason Alexander and Ryan Weiss still have Minor League options? Looking like a bit of a roster crunch with starting pitchers.

Alexander has an option remaining, so expect him to make several trips between Triple-A and the Astros this season. Having a capable starting pitcher with that kind of roster flexibility is important. Weiss could be in a similar situation, but he could also be used in a multi-inning relief role, as well. They should have enough starting pitching depth at Triple-A to where they're not grabbing players off waivers in the regular season to fill the rotation.

Is there a thought within the organization on moving Kevin Alvarez and Xavier Neyens faster through the farm than normal, if they are having success at each level? Also, what under-the-radar prospect could we see sometime in the year?

Astros general manager Dana Brown certainly likes to move prospects quickly, especially experienced college players. They will be pushed if they perform. For all his talent, Alvarez is only 18 and barely got a taste of professional baseball last year after coming over from Cuba. Neyens was playing high school baseball in Washington state at this time last year. Both are bursting with potential, but I wouldn't expect to see either of them until 2029.