Red Sox Pursue Isaac Paredes to Fill Third Base Gap Amid Slow Offseason

The Boston Red Sox enter spring training with a glaring need at third base after losing Alex Bregman and opting not to sign Bo Bichette or acquire Ketel Marte. Boston has explored multiple avenues to address the position, including a three-team trade involving Brendan Donovan, but remains without a clear solution heading into 2026.

Now, the Red Sox have set their sights on Houston infielder Isaac Paredes, a right-handed hitter who could provide the offensive pop and positional stability the team lacks. Reports indicate Boston is one of at least five clubs in discussions with the Astros for Paredes, who has a no-trade clause and an injury history that complicates negotiations.

The Red Sox have also added depth with the signing of Isiah Kiner-Falefa, but the former utility player is unlikely to be the long-term solution at the hot corner. With a crowded outfield roster, Boston may have the flexibility to offer pieces Houston desires in exchange for Paredes, who profiles as a pull-heavy hitter well-suited to Fenway Park.

As spring training approaches, time is running out for Boston to finalize a deal. The Astros, meanwhile, remain focused on contention and are hesitant to move players for prospects alone, leaving the Red Sox in a holding pattern as they attempt to fill one of the most critical holes on their roster.

1. Targeting Isaac Paredes

Isaac Paredes has emerged as Boston’s primary trade target at third base. The 27-year-old right-handed hitter offers a pull-heavy approach that would translate well in Fenway Park, potentially providing Boston with a middle-of-the-order bat. Negotiations, however, are complicated by Paredes’ no-trade clause, meaning he must approve any deal. Additionally, his injury history raises caution for a Red Sox team seeking reliable production in a division with several power-hitting competitors. The Astros have indicated that they are exploring offers for both Paredes and first baseman Christian Walker, though Paredes is seen as the more likely to be moved due to Walker’s cumbersome contract. Multiple teams are involved in discussions, creating a competitive market for Boston to navigate. While Paredes is primarily a third baseman, the Red Sox may also explore creative alignments to maximize his offensive value, potentially slotting him into key spots in the batting order and using his pull tendencies to their advantage in Fenway.

2. Red Sox Offseason Moves and Challenges

Boston’s offseason has been notable for what it has not done. The club lost Alex Bregman, failed to secure Bo Bichette in free agency, and passed on Ketel Marte in trades. A three-team deal involving Brendan Donovan also fell through, leaving the team without a clear solution at the hot corner. The signing of Isiah Kiner-Falefa adds depth but does not replace the offensive upside or stability the Red Sox expected from Bregman. With outfield depth already abundant, Boston theoretically has assets to offer in a trade, but the market for Paredes remains competitive and his no-trade clause adds complexity. Time is a critical factor. Spring training is set to begin soon, and the window for impactful trades will close quickly. Boston must balance urgency with patience, ensuring any acquisition addresses the hot corner while fitting under roster constraints and long-term plans. The Red Sox front office must also contend with the Astros’ priorities. Houston is focused on repeating as a contender and is reluctant to trade players for prospects alone, which could slow or derail negotiations for Paredes.

3. Fit and Outlook

Paredes would bring a pull-heavy approach, positional versatility, and offensive upside to the Red Sox, addressing a critical need at third base. He could slot behind the team’s top hitters and provide a stabilizing presence for a roster that is otherwise deep in outfield talent. Boston traded Rafael Devers in June with the expectation that Bregman would anchor the hot corner long-term. With that plan off the table, acquiring Paredes represents a pragmatic attempt to replace production and maintain competitiveness in the AL East. Success with Paredes hinges on health and the ability to adapt to Fenway’s unique dimensions. While he is not a perfect fit defensively, his bat could offset limitations and strengthen the Red Sox lineup. As spring training approaches, Boston’s front office must finalize a solution or risk entering 2026 with the same vulnerability at third base that challenged them last season. Paredes remains the most realistic option to fill that gap, but time and negotiation dynamics will ultimately determine if the deal gets done.