The Houston Astros are navigating a setback after acquiring third baseman Isaac Paredes in the offseason along with outfielder Cam Smith through the Kyle Tucker trade. Just days before the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB trade deadline, Paredes suffered a serious hamstring injury, forcing the team to look for reinforcements at third base.
Astros manager Joe Espada confirmed this week that Paredes is dealing with a “pretty significant” hamstring issue and that there is currently no established timeline for his return. Additionally, ESPN’s Jorge Castillo reported that Houston has started exploring the trade market for third-base options to fill the gap.
Colorado Rockies’ Ryan McMahon as a Stability Option
One potential candidate for the Astros is Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies. Seen as a possible multi-year solution, McMahon offers defensive reliability with 4 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), ranking tied for 12th among third basemen. His contract remains under team control through 2027 with an average annual value of $16 million, which could allow Paredes to transition to designated hitter by 2026 if he returns healthy.
Offensively, McMahon has a modest production track record. Over the past five seasons, he has maintained a .241 batting average, coupled with a .324 on-base percentage and .420 slugging percentage, resulting in a .744 OPS. This steadiness could provide the Astros with a dependable presence at the hot corner.
- Ryan McMahon stats (ESPN): .217/.314/.403, .717 OPS, 16 home runs, 35 RBI
Ke’Bryan Hayes Brings Defensive Excellence Despite Offensive Limitations
Another suitable Astros target is Ke’Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates, noted for elite defense despite not matching Paredes’ offensive output. Hayes is a Gold Glove Award winner and leads all third basemen with 15 Defensive Runs Saved this season, a figure equal to the next two defenders combined. His strong defensive skill set could significantly bolster Houston’s infield.
Controlled through 2029, Hayes commands a comparatively reasonable salary, ranging from $7 million per year in 2025-27 to $8 million in 2028-29, with a $12 million team option for 2030. In 2023, he has posted a .762 OPS, indicating some offensive upside to accompany his defensive prowess.
- Ke’Bryan Hayes stats (ESPN): .243/.288/.300, .588 OPS, 34 RBI, 34 runs scored, 10 stolen bases
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Eugenio Suárez: A Power Hitter to Replace Paredes’ Offense
Eugenio Suárez of the Arizona Diamondbacks may serve as a strong offensive replacement for the Astros, possibly surpassing the production lost with Paredes sidelined. Suárez is currently fourth in the MLB in home runs with 36 and leads the league with 86 RBIs through recent games.
While Suárez struggles defensively with a -4 Defensive Runs Saved, which is even lower than Paredes’ -3 DRS, his power-hitting capabilities present a chance to address Houston’s middle-of-the-order needs. Since Suárez has an expiring contract, this move would leave third base open for Paredes to reclaim in 2026.
- Eugenio Suarez stats (ESPN): .252/.325/.593, .918 OPS, 36 home runs, 86 RBI, 18 doubles in 369 at-bats
Ramon Urias Offers a Cost-Efficient Short-Term Solution at Third Base
Given the limited depth in the third-base trade market, especially for short-term fixes, the Astros may consider Ramon Urias of the Baltimore Orioles as a budget-friendly option. Urias has posted a .671 OPS this year and was notably better in previous seasons with a .732 OPS over four years.
Defensively, Urias is above average, ranking in the 86th percentile for Outs Above Average with 3, and he is tied for eighth in Defensive Runs Saved this season alongside Astros infielder Alex Bregman, both with 5 DRS. At 31 years old, Urias could serve as an affordable, defensively reliable addition to the Astros’ roster in the near term.
- Ramon Urias stats (ESPN): .247/.300/.370, .671 OPS, 6 home runs, 30 RBI, 12 doubles
Implications of the Astros’ Third Base Search
The injury to Isaac Paredes has forced the Houston Astros to act swiftly in pursuing third-base reinforcements ahead of the trade deadline. Whether Houston prioritizes long-term stability with players like Ryan McMahon or Ke’Bryan Hayes, power-hitting with Eugenio Suárez, or a cost-effective short-term fix in Ramon Urias, this move will significantly affect the team’s infield composition and offensive strategy for the remainder of the season and beyond.
Finding the right candidate will be crucial as the Astros aim to maintain their competitive edge while managing Paredes’ recovery timeline and future role with the team.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Isaac Paredes’ salary?
A. Isaac Paredes agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Astros worth $6,625,000. This amount is fully guaranteed. In 2025, he will receive a base pay of $6,625,000, which is also his total salary for the year.
Q. What is Isaac Paredes’ nationality?
A. Isaac Edgardo Paredes Calderón, born on February 18, 1999, is a Mexican baseball player. He plays third base for the Houston Astros in MLB.