The Pittsburgh Pirates might be getting closer to acquiring third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Houston Astros. Talks are reportedly ‘intensifying’ between the Pirates, Astros, and Boston Red Sox, with even the possibility of a three-team trade, according to Chandler Rome. In a two-team deal involving only the Pirates and Astros, and where Paredes is sent to Pittsburgh, what kind of package will the Bucs have to send to Houston?

What the Astros would want for Isaac Paredes from the Pirates
Joey Bart going to Houston?

One player who seems to have to be involved would be catcher Joey Bart. The Astros have shown some interest in Bart, according to Rome. One reason they likely want Bart is because of salary. The Astros want to stay under the luxury tax. Bart is owed $2.53 million in 2026, while Paredes will make $9.35 million. This is also a reason why the Astros are wary of trading Paredes to the Red Sox for Jarren Duran. Meanwhile, the Sox would rather move Duran than fellow outfielder Wilyer Abreu.

https://x.com/SleeperAstros/status/2020264498993701107

https://x.com/SleeperAstros/status/2020285551740612872

Bart looked like he was breaking out with the Pirates in 2024. During that season, he slugged 13 home runs in 282 plate appearances. Overall, put up a 121 wRC+. However, he took a major step back in the power department in 2025. Bart only hit four long balls in 332 plate appearances, with a wRC+ of 101. On the plus side, he raised his BB% and OBP from 7.8% and .337 in 2024 to 12% and .355 in 2025, respectively. Bart is not considered a strong defensive catcher. He had -6 defensive runs saved and -4 blocking runs. He did improve his framing, though, going from -3.5 framing runs over 545 innings in ‘24 to only -0.8 framing runs in 658.2 innings.

Bart is under control through 2027 and regained his power during the back half of 2025. His lack of pop stemmed from his fast swing rate decreasing from 51% in 2024 to just 44.4% in 2025. However, from July 26 through the end of the season, Bart’s fast swing rate was back to 50.7%, and he was putting up a .176 isolated slugging percentage.

Hunter Barco also part of the deal?

Bart likely wouldn’t be the only player heading to Houston for Paredes. Pitching prospect Hunter Barco would also likely be involved. Barco made his MLB debut last year, throwing three perfect innings with three K’s in September. He spent most of his year in the minor leagues, where he had a 2.81 ERA, a 27.8% K%, and a 0.45 HR/9 ratio over 99.2 innings between Altoona and Indianapolis. His 11.8% BB% was a tad high. But most of his struggles with walks came at Triple-A, where they use the fully automated ball-strike system.

Barco is ranked as a top 100 prospect by MLB Pipeline, coming in at 96th on their list. Baseball America does not include him on their top 100 list; however, he is still ranked among the Pirates’ top ten prospects. Both sites project the left-hander to have at least three average or better offerings, that being his fastball, slider, and splitter. Between those three pitches, Barco’s splitter is considered the best.

The Pirates may have to include a third, lower-ranked prospect to acquire Paredes. However, the headliners of any deal to acquire the third baseman from the Astros will likely be Bart and Barco. The Astros have shown interest in the catcher, and could use him as their second-string backstop and platoon bat vs LHP. Barco is an MLB-ready pitcher who can immediately slot onto their MLB roster. The Pirates should seriously consider making a trade like this if that is what the Astros are willing to take for Paredes.

Main Photo Credits: Erik Williams-Imagn Images