Astros Continue To Seek Left-Handed Outfielder In Paredes Talks

"Astros pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training tomorrow. The team's roster remains jumbled as camp is soon to get underway. They're still heavily right-handed and have an arguable surplus of infielders with an unimposing outfield mix. Trading an infielder, especially Isaac Paredes, has been the most speculated avenue to balancing the roster. General manager Dana Brown has repeatedly said the Astros aren't motivated to do so."

"Brown has pointed to the impact that Paredes had on Houston's lineup before he suffered a significant hamstring strain midway through his first season with the club. The Astros are only a year removed from acquiring him as an instrumental piece in their return for Kyle Tucker, feeling that his pull-heavy approach from the right side would play well with the short left field at Houston's Daikin Park. That proved to be the case, as Paredes hit 20 homers with a .254/.352/.458 slash."

"Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported last week that the Astros were discussing Paredes with upwards of five teams, including the Pirates and Red Sox. Rome wrote in a column at The Athletic this morning that they've intensified efforts to find a match on the trade front. Houston continues to pursue a left-handed hitting outfielder as part of any potential return, Rome adds."

The Astros enter Spring Training with a roster heavy on right-handed players, surplus infielders and a thin outfield. Isaac Paredes is the primary trade candidate, though General Manager Dana Brown has said the team is not motivated to move him. Paredes produced 20 home runs and a .254/.352/.458 slash before a hamstring strain curtailed his season. Houston has engaged multiple teams, including the Pirates and Red Sox, in trade discussions and intensified efforts to find a match. The club is prioritizing a left-handed hitting outfielder as part of any potential return, while several pursued deals have fallen through and rival teams made moves that affect trade interest.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors