The Isaac Paredes Dilemma
If you’ve stumbled your way into this blog: welcome. I am not Chandler Rome, I don’t get paid for this, and, on this website, I am not going to even act like I know what the front office is or isn’t doing. This is strictly a fan blog - nothing more, nothing less.
The thing that is currently eating at every Astros fan is: what is going to happen with Isaac Paredes? Let’s put emotion aside for one second. We all love Isaac. He’s a pitch eater, the pull power is crazy, and, for anyone that saw his “girlfriend proposal” last year, he’s a loveable guy. All of that can be true and still want him gone. This roster, as currently constructed, is good, but it is awkward. However you want to put it: “we have too many infielders”, “Christian Walker is the new Jose Abreu” - doesn’t matter. We have to do something about it.
One thing I want to ensure on this blog is that I don’t bad mouth any players. This is not a Christian Walker hit piece. I actually really like Christian Walker. I was on the front line of fans wanting him here. It is no lie that if the Astros could choose which of these two to trade they would 10 times out of 10 choose Christian Walker. Paredes is cheaper, younger, and, specifically looking at last year, much more productive. That isn’t happening. The only way a team is taking Walker’s salary is if you throw in Mattress Mack and a gallon margarita from Ninfas (& I don’t even think that’ll do it). So what do I think will ultimately happen?
Isaac Paredes will be traded. If writing wasn’t already on the wall, the 0.5 seconds of screen time he got in the season hype video confirmed it. He will not be an Astro. Where to? That is the question. My estimations go as follows…
Boston Red Sox:
This makes too much sense. They need a 3rd baseman BADLY. They have a surplus of young outfielders, we have a surplus of overpaid infielders. Match made in heaven. This is the partner the Astros have been linked to the entire time. If I was a betting man, this is where my money would go. I have seen Rome mention Wilyer Abreu. I like that, but even as he said - it’s not going to be a one-for-one. We will need to sweeten the deal (no Mattress Mack & the margarita aren’t available in this one).
Pittsburgh Pirates:
As mentioned on Crush City Territory (shout out the boys), the Pirates were in on Eugenio Suarez. They didn’t get him. The fan side of me likes this because it gets Paredes out of the AL. The realistic side of me says there isn’t really anything the Pirates have to offer us other than Jack Suwinski (& I’ll pass on that).
Atlanta Braves:
This might catch some people by surprise. Yes, I truly do see the Braves as a potential landing spot for Paredes. This is where I throw back in my disclaimer - I HAVE NO INSIGHT. They already took our darling Dubon, and I could easily see them taking Isaac. This would allow Paredes to predominately see the field in a DH role (with Ozuna gone), which suits him and the team better. Return from this trade (I’d imagine) would be a pitcher of some sorts, with some minor league players.
New York Mets:
The last team I’ll mention is the New York Mets. The Mets have a stacked infield at the moment (Polanco, Bichette, Lindor, Vientos), but a wide open door for at bats at DH. Acquiring Paredes would give them quality at-bats at that spot in the lineup, as well as give them an option at 3rd if Vientos comes out struggling again. Return on this isn’t sexy by any means, but there are some quality players the Astros could get.
