Astros Trade Rumors: Rays infielder Isaac Paredes to be a potential target, per insider
The Houston Astros are on the lookout for Tampa Bay Rays infielder Isaac Paredes, as per MLB insider Chandler Rome. The 25-year-old's addition to the lineup will significantly boost their lower half, which has looked weak compared to the start of the season.
Paredes, 25, is hitting .250 along with 35 extra base hits and 16 homers. He has been a utility player for Tampa Bay on the diamond, primarily playing third base but also garnering experience at first and second. Paredes has also played some innings at the shortstop position.
With the Astros likely to add some depth to their lineup, Rome claims that Paredes is being scouted as a possible trade option. However, it is expected that the Mexican native will also find suitors at other top clubs around the league because of his contract status.
Isaac Paredes is earning a $3.4 million salary and is under club control for the next three seasons. That also might be a strong reason why the Rays would want to keep Paredes in their lineup.
Even with arbitration, the cost of locking him up for the future won't be more than $10 million. Having said that, the team has Junior Caminero, one of baseball's top prospects, waiting in the wings to take responsibility at third base.
Where does Isaac Paredes fit in the Astros lineup?
Isaac Paredes can replace Jon Singleton at first base, who has been the primary choice after the Astros DFA'd Jose Abreu. Singleton is hitting .231/.321/.345, seven percent less than all eligible first basemen in the league.
Overall, the Astros have been producing a .202 batting average at first base, which is by far their lowest for any position.
Paredes might also be a long-term solution for the Astros. Alex Bregman is heading into free agency after this season and there's some uncertainty about whether the Astros will extend him.
That might open a slot in the third base position. Isaac can be utilized effectively at the hot corner.
Issac Paredas' affordable $3.4 million salary, his versatility all over the infield, the Astros' problem at first base and their uneasiness to sign Alex Bregman to an extension make him a natural fit for the team.