While pitching has dominated the Houston Astros’ offseason focus, the offense has its fair share of questions heading into 2026. Injuries played a role on both sides and reshaped the Astros offense for the foreseeable future.
Houston lost Yordan Alvarez for three months to a nagging hand fracture before he missed the rest of the season with a sprained ankle. The Astros also lost outfielder Jake Meyers and infielder Jeremy Peña towards the end of the year.
The Latest Offseason Update on Isaac Paredes
Infielder Isaac Paredes enjoyed a very successful first half of 2025 after the Astros acquired him in the Kyle Tucker trade. Paredes emerged as one of the stars on offense for Houston at third base and had a .259 average and .829 OPS before his severe hamstring injury on July 19.
He was the best hitter on the Astros at that time. Paredes could not return to 100% health due to the severity of his injury, with the hamstring completely torn. It was expected that Paredes would be out for the rest of the season, and the Astros made corresponding moves at the trade deadline. Houston added utility infielder Ramon Urias, but more importantly, re-acquired superstar shortstop Carlos Correa from the Minnesota Twins in a blockbuster deal.
Paredes’ Situation Post Trade Deadline
The reason for that was that Correa agreed to move to third base in Paredes’ absence, and he played at a Gold Glove level at that position in Houston after the deadline. Paredes heroically came back in late September for the potential postseason push despite not being at 100%, basically playing on one leg. He would only bat as the designated hitter and somehow still provided offensive production.
The 2025 All-Star’s injury sparked offseason concerns, as reports questioned whether Paredes would be fully healthy for spring training. Astros general manager Dana Brown quickly dismissed those concerns, stating Paredes is expected to be a full go at spring training, as well as Alvarez.
Winter Ball for Paredes
Earlier this week, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported that Paredes will make his winter ball debut. That update indicates Paredes is healing ahead of time and may already be close to 100%. The recovery trajectory is looking ahead of schedule, and Paredes appears ready to handle an infield role in 2026.
Isaac Paredes is making his winter ball debut tonight, which would seem to indicate a full recovery from his hamstring strain. The Astros expect him to be a “full go” in spring training. https://t.co/C5wb0AZEYm
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) December 21, 2025
Paredes played 102 games last season and hit 20 home runs along with 53 RBI. He was on pace for one of the best seasons of his career. The good news is that he is looking great in the Mexican Pacific Winter League. The Hermosillo, Mexico native has played in four games so far, posting a .300 average and .888 OPS.
Paredes’ Future with the Astros
Where Paredes fits defensively remains a major question. With Correa now anchoring third base at a high level, Jose Altuve likely spending more time at second, and Christian Walker at first, Houston faces an infield surplus. Someone will have to move or be traded. It will either be Paredes or Walker.
Trade discussions have surfaced around Paredes, and his value continues to rise due to his swift recovery. At 26, Paredes offers a rare combination of power and defensive versatility at a premium position.
“They may not have a choice but to trade one of these two guys off the roster.”
@Chandler_Rome and @TylerCStafford explain why the Astros may need to move either Isaac Paredes or Christian Walker as they map out their 2026 plans for Jose Altuve and Yordan Álvarez. pic.twitter.com/FPRalc61rN— Crush City Territory (@Crush_City_Pod) December 11, 2025
Trade Prospects
Walker, at 35, is significantly older, and his offensive production was not particularly strong. Considering his contract, trading him would be more challenging. Paredes is under team control for a few more years at a projected $10 million for this season. While the proposition of trading Paredes might be intriguing due to what the Astros might get back, it appears unlikely they will move on from him.
Brown and the Astros seem confident in his return and contribution to the team in 2026. Paredes could likely split time with Altuve at second base, especially if Altuve will still be contributing in left field, or take over first if Walker is actually traded. Either way, the Astros do not want to miss out on his offensive production and will find a spot for him, even though Paredes is an average defender.
Given his trade value and the lack of options in the infield, it is entirely possible the situation can change.
Main Photo Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images