Ken Rosenthal Shares Disappointing Update On Red Sox Trade Target originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

March is here, spring training is in full swing and Opening Day is only three weeks away. Barring any last-minute surprises, the Boston Red Sox‘s offseason appears mostly complete.

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Accordingly, the Red Sox seem unlikely to make any more major moves before the season starts, including trading for Isaac Paredes.

Paredes was one of Boston’s top trade targets this winter. Given his versatility, the Red Sox were heavily pursuing the two-time All-Star to fill one of the holes in their infield, especially after losing Alex Bregman in free agency.

Trade talks between Boston and the Houston Astros fizzled out, however, and Craig Breslow pivoted, trading for Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers.

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Accordingly, the Red Sox have less of a need for Paredes and no longer appear to be targeting him, based on a new report from Ken Rosenthal on Tuesday.

“The necessary move is to trade third baseman Isaac Paredes for a left-handed-hitting outfielder, an idea the Astros have discussed most thoroughly with the Boston Red Sox, according to people briefed on the discussions. Talks stalled, however, and the clubs have not been in recent contact,” Rosenthal wrote for The Athletic (subscription required).

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“The problem is that the Red Sox’s trade for Durbin improved their negotiating position while weakening the Astros’. (Houston GM Dana) Brown, then, might need to get creative, possibly involving a third team, possibly pivoting from the Red Sox entirely,” Rosenthal added.

While the two sides are no longer ideal trade partners, Rosenthal believes a Paredes trade still makes sense for Boston, which has a surplus of outfielders and starting pitchers.

“The Red Sox, even after acquiring Caleb Durbin from Milwaukee, still look like the best fit for Paredes — they could play him at third and Durbin at second without needing to rely on Marcelo Mayer,” Rosenthal noted.

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That seems less likely for now, but it could remain an option for the Red Sox if injuries crop up in their infield or players don’t perform as expected.

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