The Boston Red Sox have been connected to nearly every available first baseman over the past year and a half, but they made their move this offseason by adding Willson Contreras to the mix.
The question now? Whether Boston sees him as their long-term answer at first base. At 32, Contreras isn’t exactly a spring chicken, which keeps the Red Sox in the conversation for other options.
Christian Walker has been a name that keeps surfacing in Red Sox rumors. So has Isaac Paredes, though Paredes might actually be the more attractive target given Boston’s glaring need at third base.
But here’s the thing – the Red Sox aren’t operating in a vacuum.
Multiple teams are circling both Houston players, according to the latest reports. That’s going to drive up the price if the Astros decide to become sellers.
“If Houston decides to sell, Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes are potential trade candidates. Walker, 35, has been much better in his second season in Houston and is hitting .276/.351/.513 with nine home runs and 27 RBI. He’s signed through 2027 on a three-year, $60 million contract and could be an intriguing option for a team seeking first base help.
“Paredes, meanwhile, has been the subject of trade rumors for months. The Boston Red Sox were connected to him in the winter, but they were not the only team with interest. He’s hitting .271/.362/.391 with three home runs and 17 RBI this season,” Robert Murray reported.
Walker’s contract makes him an interesting piece. Three years at $60 million isn’t exactly a bargain, but it’s not prohibitive for a player who’s proven he can handle first base and provide consistent production.
The Astros haven’t been much better than the Red Sox this season, which puts both players squarely in play if Houston decides to retool.
Paredes feels like the more likely candidate to move. He’s been in trade rumors for months now, and at 25, he’s got the kind of timeline that works for rebuilding or contending teams.
For Boston, though, the calculus is tricky. Unless they can turn this season around quickly, it might make more sense to wait until the offseason. That’s when they can take a complete look at their roster and address multiple needs without giving up prospect capital for a rental situation.
The way things are going, both players will have plenty of suitors if Houston opens up shop before the deadline.
