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Which Astros Player Could Be the First to Go This Offseason
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- Which Astros Player Could Be the First to Go This Offseason
(Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
Image 1: Erik Williams-Imagn Images, Image 2: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images, Image 3: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
One of the top priorities for the Astros ' offseason is figuring out their infield logjam. With too many talented players in the infield, decisions and adjustments need to be made. One option is to trade one of their top players. A potential trade could solve more than one problem, too. Trading a top infielder would solve the overcrowding and free up some money to help beef up their thin pitching staff.
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Here is a look at the players who could be traded, and hypothetically who would be the most likely to go first.
First, a look at the players:
Isaac Paredes is a 27-year-old third baseman. With Carlos Correa out for the majority of the 2026 season, Paredes really stepped up. Paredes' value is at the plate. His defense is slightly below average, but with 25 home runs and 94 RBI this season, there is no doubt he brings value to the lineup. With Correa out, Paredes spent more time at third this season, and improving his defense could bring even more value in the future, especially based on his recent production. While trading Paredes is likely not the right move, it would free up $13.35 million , the price of his club option for 2027.
Then there is Jeremy Peña, another player who shares a position with Correa. The 29-year-old shortstop had a strong year at the plate and found success in the leadoff spot. Peña's performance at the plate this season was strong, but even as a great defender, he finished the season with 13 fielding errors. That's an area where the Astros need to see improvement. Tightening up his performance defensively would go a long way. That said, trading Peña is also likely not the right move. He has power at the plate, he is an excellent baserunner, an overall great athlete, and only 29. He is projected to earn $13.1 million in arbitration and can become a free agent after 2027.
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Christian Walker is another player entering his final year of his contract. He is owed $20 million in 2027, the last year of his three-year, $60 million deal. Walker hit 29 home runs, drove in 87 runs, and hit .226. He is a good first baseman and strong at the plate, but prone to slumps, and avoiding inconsistencies in 2027 would be huge for the Astros. He still brings power despite his batting average for the regular season, and those 29 home runs prove that. He is also a Gold Glove finalist this season and a three-time Gold Glove winner.
If one of these players should go, it should be Walker. He is the oldest and frees up the most cash, $20 million, compared with a projected $15 million for Paredes and $13.1 million for Peña. It would solve the infield crowding and potentially free up some money to bring in a strong arm to the rotation.
