The Baltimore Orioles kicked off Spring Training with a 2-0 win over the New York Yankees, but the victory’s being overshadowed by some tough injury news. Two key infielders, Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg, are looking at extended absences that could stretch well into the regular season.
That’s where Christopher Kline from FanSided sees an opportunity. He’s proposing Baltimore make a move for Houston’s Isaac Paredes, the two-time All-Star third baseman who could solve their infield problems.
The Trade Framework
Orioles receive: 3B Isaac Paredes
Astros receive: OF Enrique Bradfield Jr., OF Jeremiah Jackson
“The Orioles receive a two-time All-Star with a couple years of cheap club control in Isaac Paredes. He fills an immediate need and should elevate what already projects (with enough positive regression) to be one of the more potent lineups in the American League, especially if Gunnar Henderson meets expectations and returns to MVP contention…Paredes does complicate a few short- and long-term timelines, but he’s a potential 100-RBI bat who can substantially elevate Baltimore’s competitive ceiling. And this O’s team clearly wants to win.”
It’s hard to argue with Paredes’ production. Last season, he slashed .254/.352/.458 with an .809 OPS, launching 20 home runs and driving in 53 runs across 102 games. He earned his second All-Star selection in the process.
The financials work too. Paredes is owed just $9.35 million this year and comes with two more years of team control – exactly the kind of value Baltimore’s front office loves.
The Roster Juggling Act
Now that raises an interesting question: what happens when Holliday and Westburg return to health? There’s no definitive timeline for either player, which actually works in Baltimore’s favor right now.
But even if it creates a numbers game down the line, getting Paredes seems like smart insurance. This Orioles team has championship aspirations, and they can’t afford to let injuries derail those plans early in the season.
The way I see it, Baltimore’s got the prospect depth to make this happen without gutting their future. Bradfield and Jackson are solid pieces, but neither is essential to the organization’s long-term plans.
All things considered, this feels like the type of move that could define Baltimore’s season. They’ve got a window right now, and Paredes gives them the flexibility to weather these early injuries while staying competitive in what’s shaping up to be a loaded AL East.
