The Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, and St. Louis Cardinals discussed a three-team trade involving infielders Brendan Donovan and Isaac Paredes before Donovan was dealt to the Seattle Mariners last week, sources told The Athletic’s Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal.
The deal would have sent Donovan to the Astros and Paredes to the Red Sox. Boston was also discussing a separate move with the Cardinals that would have landed them Donovan, Rome and Rosenthal added.
With Donovan no longer part of an equation, the Red Sox remain engaged with the Astros about Paredes, as they look to add a right-handed hitting infielder to their club.
The Astros are interested in moving one of Paredes or first baseman Christian Walker, but Walker presents more complications due to his contract and limited no-trade clause. As many as five teams, including the Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates, are interested in Paredes.
Talks for Isaac Paredes have intensified, says @Chandler_Rome.
As many as five teams have shown aggressive interest, including the Red Sox and Pirates. pic.twitter.com/U7dekg4ZFF
— Crush City Territory (@Crush_City_Pod) February 7, 2026
Paredes, 26, hit .254/.352/.458 with 20 home runs and 53 RBIs in 102 games for the Astros last season. He played the bulk of his games at third base, but also has experience at first, second, and shortstop.