The Astros brought back three-time All-Star Carlos Correa at this year’s trade deadline in one of the summer’s biggest moves. Now they’re facing another tough decision this winter.
Chandler Rome of The Athletic writes that Houston’s got an “uncertain future” looming with their infield, especially with Correa likely staying at third base.
That leaves first baseman Christian Walker, shortstop Jeremy Pena and third baseman Isaac Paredes—who’s currently on the 60-day IL with a right hamstring strain—potentially on the move this winter.
Dana Brown is the guy who has to sort this out. The Astros GM isn’t shy about making tough calls.
Setting the Precedent
Brown already showed his hand last offseason when he sent Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs for three players, including Paredes. That move set a clear precedent—Houston’s willing to entertain offers for players who aren’t expected to sign long-term extensions.
That’s why Pena, with two more seasons of club control, could theoretically be traded. But Rome notes that’s unlikely considering Tucker only had one season of team control when Brown moved him.
The return for Pena would be significant, but there are more realistic options.
The More Likely Scenarios
“The two more straightforward ways to address the surplus are making Walker available in trade talks or moving Paredes to second base,” Rome wrote.
Here’s the problem with that second option: “evaluators inside and outside the Astros organization” don’t believe Paredes can handle second base. If they trade Walker though, Paredes could slide over to first base.
But Walker’s contract makes things complicated. The remaining two years and $40 million on his deal isn’t exactly attractive to potential suitors.
Playing the Long Game
All this is theoretical for now. Houston leads the AL West and has plenty of baseball left to play this season before they start making winter decisions.
The way I see it, Brown’s already shown he’s not afraid to shake things up when roster construction demands it. The Tucker trade proved that. Now it’s a matter of finding the right move that opens up the logjam without creating new problems.
The Astros begin a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies tonight at Daikin Park, but don’t be surprised if front office conversations about this infield situation are already happening behind the scenes.
