Boston Red Sox base runner Nate Eaton (right) celebrates with Alex Bregman after scoring in the ninth inning (Image via Imagn) The Boston Red Sox are looking for ways to replace the offense they lost when Alex Bregman signed with the Chicago Cubs. With the 2026 season nearing, trade talks have linked Boston to Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes.One proposed trade would send infielder Romy Gonzalez and the Red Sox’s fifth-ranked prospect, Justin Gonzales, to Houston in exchange for Paredes. The deal would add a right-handed power bat to Boston’s lineup, while the Astros would get a player ready for the majors, a young prospect, and some financial flexibility.
Proposed Trade Details
Isaac Paredes, 27, is under team control for two more seasons and is projected to earn about $9.35 million in arbitration this year. Gonzalez, 29, recently agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.6 million with Boston. Gonzales is considered one of the organization’s top prospects.
Player Profiles and Recent Performance
Isaac Paredes (Houston Astros)
– Position: Third baseman who can also play second and first- 2025 Stats: .254/.352/.458/.809 OPS, 15 doubles, 20 runs, 53 RBIs in 102 games- Contract Status: Two years of arbitration remaining (Super Two)- Strengths: Positional flexibility and a productive right-handed bat that could suit Fenway Park- Weaknesses: Below-average defense at third, though he can shift to second
Romy Gonzalez (Boston Red Sox)
– Position: Second baseman with experience across the infield- 2025 Stats: .305/.343/.483, 23 doubles, 3 triples, 9 home runs, 53 RBIs in 341 plate appearances- Contract Status: One-year, $1.6 million deal- Strengths: Consistent contact, improving power, defensive versatility- Weaknesses: Defensive inconsistency
Justin Gonzales (Red Sox prospect)
Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes (Image via Getty)
– Position: Outfielder- Age: 19- Prospect Status: Ranked fifth in Boston’s system- Strengths: Power and speed potential- Weaknesses: Still developing
Why the Trade Fits Boston Red Sox
Offensive Help
Isaac Paredes would give Boston a reliable right-handed hitter. His .254/.352/.458 line in 2025 shows steady production, and his swing could benefit from Fenway Park’s dimensions.
Defensive Flexibility
He can cover second, third, and first base, giving manager Alex Cora more lineup options.
Team Control
Two arbitration years make Paredes a more predictable investment than a free-agent signing.
Why Houston Astros Might Consider It
Immediate and Future Value
Gonzalez provides major-league production and flexibility. Gonzales adds long-term upside as a young outfielder.
Payroll Space
Trading Paredes would remove his projected $9.35 million salary, allowing Houston to address other needs such as pitching or outfield depth.
Trade Pros and Cons
Boston Red Sox
Pros: • Adds a proven hitter with power • Brings in a right-handed bat suited for Fenway Park • Improves infield flexibility • Gains two affordable years of controlCons: • Gives up a productive infielder • Loses a top prospect • May need defensive adjustments if Paredes struggles at third
Houston Astros
Pros: • Gains immediate offense in Gonzalez • Adds a high-upside prospect • Improves roster depth • Creates payroll flexibilityCons: • Trades a two-time All-Star • Weakens infield stability • Takes on the risk tied to prospect development
Statistical Comparison
PlayerAgePosition2025 Slash LineOPSHRRBIContract Status Isaac Paredes 27 3B/2B .254/.352/.483 .835 15 53 2 years arbitration Romy Gonzalez 29 2B .305/.343/.483 .826 9 53 1 year, $1.6M Justin Gonzales 19 OF N/A N/A N/A N/A Prospect
Demographics
• Isaac Paredes is 27 and entering his prime with two seasons of control. • Gonzalez, 29, has shown he can produce at the major-league level. • Gonzales, 19, is a long-term project with upside.
Who Benefits Most?
Boston Red Sox appears to gain the most. Paredes fills an immediate need, offers defensive flexibility, and remains under control for two seasons. Houston would receive useful pieces, but Paredes provides more certainty than the players heading the other way.Also read: MLB trade rumors: New York Yankees predicted to sign $38.5 million Boston Red Sox star on short-term deal to bolster 2026 rotationIf completed, the trade would help Boston stabilize its lineup while giving Houston a mix of present value and future potential.