Astros have 'clear' infield problem that could lead to trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Houston Astros are likely to make an offseason trade involving their infielders.
Houston's infield is somewhat of a logjam, as Isaac Paredes and Carlos Correa are both third basemen who deserve playing time.
Jose Altuve, Jeremy Pena, and Christian Walker round out the rest of the infield, so there are five players for four spots.
"The DH spot does exist, but should be occupied by Yordan Alvarez on most nights. A trade involving one of these infielders to fill another need makes the most sense," FanSided's Zachary Rotman wrote.
With one year left on his contract, Paredes may emerge as a strong trade candidate.
The two-time All-Star hit 25 home runs, drove in 94 runs, and posted a 127 OPS+ in 155 games.
"Walker is likely the one Houston would want to move, but he's also the least valuable. Paredes is the likeliest to go, but he's also the most versatile of the bunch.
"Pena is the best infielder on the roster, but he's also on an expiring contract and is unlikely to sign an extension, so might Houston try to get what it can for a player likely to be in another uniform in 2028 anyway?" Rotman added.
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Paredes can play third or first base and can slot in as a contending team's DH if the roster allows for it.
Altuve's defense at second base is below par, but the Astros risk injury to Alvarez if they throw him out in left field.
Pena probably had the highest trade value of any of the five infielders, so it'll be interesting to see which direction Houston's front office goes.
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