Astros Expected to Exercise Isaac Paredes' Option While Fielding Trade Interest

Exercising the $13.35 million option would keep a cost-controlled power bat under team control and create trade leverage to address Houston’s outfield needs during its search for new leadership.

Overview

Houston is widely expected to pick up Paredes' $13.35 million club option for 2027 but will listen to trade offers that could convert his cost-controlled bat into help elsewhere.
Paredes delivered a career-high workload in 2026 with strong offense (.262/.360/.447, roughly 130 wRC+, 94 RBI) but posted minus-7 Defensive Runs Saved at third base, raising questions about his long-term fit there.
Carlos Correa remains a central variable because his recovery from a severe ankle injury and limited games since 2023 leave his health and possible move back to third base uncertain despite a club-friendly contract through 2028.
Significant payroll commitments—about $80.5 million to José Altuve, Christian Walker and Correa plus a projected Jeremy Peña arbitration figure near $13.1 million—narrow Houston's roster flexibility for free agents or big trades.
With a thin free-agent market for true center-fielders and the club searching for a new general manager and manager, trading a player like Paredes is seen as the most practical path to upgrade the outfield and rebalance the infield.