The Houston Astros are still atop of the American League West standings. However, pitching is a top priority for the Astros and so is exploring a variety of offensive additions. According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, multiple people familiar with Houston’s thinking believe that the club is interested in Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Isaac Paredes. As Rome mentions, the bottom of the Astros lineup has a .254 OBP since Kyle Tucker went on the injured list. Tucker’s absence has shortened the Astros’ lineup, leaving pressure on the top of the batting order to do more.
Astros Among Teams Interested in Isaac Paredes
Acquiring Paredes makes sense for the Astros. Paredes is a pull-happy power threat who is a fit thanks to his additional three years of club control, his defensive versatility and his batting line of .250/.352/.445. Paredes has been the Rays’ primary third baseman this season but has experience at both second base and first base. He even played 50 innings of shortstop in the majors.
The Astros have no real standout at first base this season. Former MVP José Abreu was released after an ill-fated three-year contract. Jon Singleton has been the first baseman since, hitting .230/.321/.345 on the season. Replacing Singleton with Paredes and pairing with Tucker’s return would further improve the lineup for the long term. Alex Bregman will hit the free agent market this offseason, he might be a part of the club’s offseason targets, but it’s not a guarantee for him to re-sign.
If the Astros pursue Paredes, it will come at a high cost regarding prospects and young talent. If not, then any of the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers are strong fits. The Rays will listen, as they should with their other players, but it would have to be an intriguing offer to acquire the power-hitting infielder.
Main Photo: © Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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