With trade rumors swirling, Paredes keeps focus on the field

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The fact that third baseman Isaac Paredes even reported to camp and put on an Astros uniform Sunday morning was a surprise to many. But not to him.

Paredes has been the subject of trade rumors all offseason because he’s the most movable piece in the Astros’ crowded infield picture, which includes franchise icons at third base (Carlos Correa) and second base (Jose Altuve), an All-Star at shortstop (Jeremy Peña) and a first baseman making $20 million a year (Christian Walker).

The Astros’ desire to move Paredes for a left-handed bat didn’t diminish his belief he would remain with Houston -- for now. Paredes has been traded three times already, including from the Cubs to the Astros in December 2024 in the Kyle Tucker deal, so trade winds are nothing new.

“This is where I thought I was going to be the whole time, so let’s just see what happens,” Paredes said.

Last week, Astros general manager Dana Brown said the Astros weren’t done dealing after they sent Jesús Sánchez to the Blue Jays in exchange for Joey Loperfido -- a move that saved Houston about $6 million. Paredes is set to make $9.35 million this year, and he has a 2027 club option that will pay him $13.35 million. If he's top 10 in American League MVP voting in ‘26, the club option becomes a mutual option.

Paredes has trade value, considering he turns 27 years old on Wednesday and is a two-time AL All-Star who can play multiple infield positions. He was slashing .259/.359/.470 with a team-high 19 homers and 50 RBIs in 94 games last year before suffering a severe right hamstring strain July 19 in Seattle that cost him two months.

“I only control what I do on the field,” Paredes said. “That’s the part I’m focused on. Whatever they’re going to do, that’s out of my control.”

By the time Paredes came back in the final week of the season, Correa had been acquired and planted at third base. The Astros have said all offseason they could make the infield surplus work by giving players days off, but Peña said he wants to play 162 games, and Altuve said Saturday he wants to play more than 150 games as he continues his pursuit of 3,000 hits. (He’s 612 hits short.)

It might be difficult to create playing time unless one of the infielders gets some at-bats at designated hitter, but Yordan Alvarez is slated to play there nearly full-time this year. Of course, an injury at either infield spot would clear things up. All five infielders reported to camp early and healthy.

“I look at it as a benefit for all the players,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “We were not healthy last year. This is an opportunity for us to stay healthy, and it’s all going to come down to communication and everyone knowing their position on the team. Ultimately, it’s about winning games and winning the [AL] West. We need all these players to do that.”

Espada said he has been in discussions with Paredes throughout the offseason about his future. Paredes, who decided to forgo surgery that was recommended on his hamstring, played winter ball in Mexico and got most of his at-bats at DH, with one game at first base.

“We’ve been talking the whole entire offseason and conversations that I’ll keep between me and Paredes,” Espada said. “I do know that he is one of our best hitters, and we are a really good team when he’s in the lineup.”

Paredes said he has been working out at second and first base in addition to his time at third, and he felt great during winter ball. His goal remains being an everyday player.

“We’ll see what happens,” Paredes said. “There’s still like a month left until Opening Day.”

Paredes opted not to participate in the World Baseball Classic for Mexico so he can focus on the Astros and make sure he’s healthy. Houston’s first full-squad workout is Monday, but trade speculation continues to linger, with Paredes in the crosshairs.

“I’m not worried about that,” Paredes said.