Red Sox remain ‘best fit’ as a trade suitor for Paredes

After the Pink Sox opened spring coaching with Jarren Duran nonetheless on the roster, it appeared as if an countless stream of commerce rumors relating to the dynamic outfielder have been destined to cool down.

For the entire discourse of Boston looking at infield options like Ketel Marte with a purpose to exchange Alex Bregman’s manufacturing within the lineup, the Pink Sox ultimately opted to trade for Caleb Durbin final month. The previous Brewers lineup common is anticipated to fit in at third base shifting ahead. 

Boston’s infield is seemingly set shifting ahead with Willson Contreras (first base), Durbin (third base), Trevor Story (shortstop), and a few mixture/platoon of Marcelo Mayer, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Andruw Monasterio incomes reps at second.

However, might Boston probably revisit commerce talks with the Astros, who’re struggling to discover a spot on their infield for proficient third baseman Isaac Paredes? 

According to longtime MLB writer Ken Rosenthal, the Pink Sox stay as a logical slot in a commerce centered round Paredes — with Duran standing as a viable chip in that potential swap.

“The Pink Sox, even after buying Caleb Durbin from Milwaukee, nonetheless appear to be the very best match for Paredes — they may play him at third and Durbin at second with no need to depend on Marcelo Mayer,” Rosenthal wrote. “The Astros aren’t getting again Wilyer Abreu, whom they traded in 2022 for catcher Christian Vázquez.

“A deal constructed round Jarren Duran ought to stay inside attain. By shifting Duran, the Pink Sox would create DH at-bats for Masataka Yoshida and ultimately Triston Casas, who might return in Might from a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee.”

Nonetheless, Rosenthal added that the Pink Sox and Astros “haven’t been in latest contact” since Boston acquired Durbin. 

Bringing in a right-handed pull hitter like Paredes could be a welcome addition for a Pink Sox group that’s nonetheless dealing with questions over whether or not they have sufficient energy of their lineup. 

Paredes, 27, hit 20 house runs and 102 video games final season with Houston and could possibly be in line for an influence surge if he performed most of his video games at Fenway Park. 

Transferring on from Duran would additionally clear up Boston’s logjam within the outfield, because the Pink Sox at present have 4 established gamers between Duran, Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu for less than three beginning spots.

That may imply that certainly one of Duran or Anthony would probably should log most of their reps at DH this season, barring one other commerce. As Rosenthal famous, releasing up that DH spot might open the door for a participant like Yoshida or Casas (if wholesome) to settle into that position shifting ahead — with a resurgent season from Casas additionally giving Boston one other energy enhance. 

However, a commerce for Paredes at this stage of MLB’s calendar would create one other potential logjam. If Durbin slots to second and Paredes settles in at third base, it will additionally block Mayer from common reps at second shifting ahead. 

As tempting because it is perhaps for Boston to revisit talks for an intriguing expertise like Paredes, the Pink Sox seemingly made their name with their infield with the Durbin deal. 

 

Conor Ryan is a workers author protecting the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Pink Sox for Boston.com, a job he has held since 2023.