Yankees & Astros Among 5 Best Trade Fits for Isaac Paredes
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Arizona Diamondbacks
Here's what we know:
Eugenio Suárez has not been successful with the D-backs this year. As reigning NL champions, they are striving to re-enter the playoff race. Recruiting Isaac Paredes could mitigate the potential loss of first baseman Christian Walker to free agency this coming winter.
The suitability of Paredes for Arizona might surpass other teams. General Manager Mike Hazen has not yet committed to acquiring new talent at the deadline, but it would be quite disappointing if last year's NL pennant winners do not make a concerted effort to return to the postseason.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
An Isaac Paredes Trade?
Tampa Bay’s chances of clinching the AL East are virtually nonexistent. The Rays remain contenders in the Wild Card race, yet they would need to surpass at least two teams among the Twins, Red Sox, Royals, and Astros to secure a playoff spot. Each of these teams is outperforming them significantly.
Consequently, it seems logical for the Rays to consider selling at the deadline. It's a surprising turn for a team that secured 99 victories just the previous season, but it's the current reality.
The organization is no stranger to making bold trades. This month alone, Aaron Civale and Phil Maton have been traded away, and in the past, even during more competitive seasons, major players have been moved. Therefore, if the Rays aim to capitalize on what is likely a seller’s market—particularly for hitters—their optimal strategy might be to trade All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes.
Paredes boasts 15 home runs, a 139 wRC+, and 2.8 fWAR for the season and was recently named to his first All-Star team. Over the last two seasons, he ranks 11th among qualified AL batters in both wRC+ and fWAR.
The Value
As if his performance alone weren't enough to make him a valuable asset at the deadline, Isaac Paredes is earning just $3.4 million this season in his first year of arbitration. As a super-two player, he retains three more full seasons of arbitration eligibility. The 25-year-old remains under team control through the 2027 campaign.
Given his talent, youth, and contract status, he could easily be the most valuable player on the trade market, potentially fetching a significant return for the Rays.
However, for many of the same reasons, the Rays might be reluctant to part with their top player. Paredes could still command a substantial return in the coming offseason or next summer. Moreover, his trade value might even increase if he continues to perform at this level. Additionally, there's no immediate pressure to find a replacement, allowing president of baseball operations Erik Neander to avoid rushing into a trade this summer—unless driven by ownership demands to salvage a disappointing season.
Nevertheless, Neander has likely earned the trust of the ownership after many years with the organization, suggesting he wouldn't trade Paredes right now unless it's the optimal long-term move for the team.
And if it proves to be the best long-term strategy? For that scenario to unfold, Neander would need to be thoroughly impressed by the return package. Any potential suitor must present an overwhelmingly attractive offer to secure the All-Star third baseman.
So, will any team be prepared to meet such high demands to persuade the Rays to trade Isaac Paredes? It's uncertain, but here are five clubs that might attempt it.
Seattle Mariners
Here's the current situation:
The Mariners were connected with Paredes during the offseason. POBO Jerry Dipoto is aiming to acquire an everyday bat before the trade deadline. Mariners third basemen have recorded a 92 wRC+ this season.
The fit is apparent, and the Mariners currently possess the narrowest division lead in the league.
Houston Astros
Here's the current information:
The Astros are in search of an impactful bat for first base. Houston may require a new third baseman next season if Alex Bregman departs via free agency. Paredes is capable of playing first base this season and could switch back to third in 2025.
The fit might not be completely seamless, particularly if the Astros hope to extend Bregman's contract. However, if enhancing their ALCS appearance streak is a priority, acquiring a player like Paredes could prove highly beneficial.
For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.
Download the SportsGrid App
Stay Ahead of the Game and Elevate Your Sports Betting Experience with SportsGrid. Download the SportsGrid App from the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
New York Yankees
Here's the current situation:
The Yankees are falling behind the Orioles in the AL East race. To bolster their lineup behind Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, the Yankees need more depth. DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera have contributed minimal offense at third base this season.
Would the Rays consider trading Paredes to a division rival? Possibly not. However, could the Yankees be driven to propose a compelling offer out of desperation? The answer is likely yes.
San Diego Padres
Here's the current situation:
The Padres could benefit from a new designated hitter and an additional third baseman to allow Manny Machado some rest. They are striving to gain an edge in a competitive NL Wild Card race. With A.J. Preller at the helm, a significant trade involving a former shortstop should never be ruled out.
Having executed several major trades this year, the Padres are contenders for more impactful moves. Paredes would significantly enhance their roster as they aim to distinguish themselves from competitors such as the Cardinals, Mets, D-backs, and Giants.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Here's what we know:
Eugenio Suárez has not been successful with the D-backs this year. As reigning NL champions, they are striving to re-enter the playoff race. Recruiting Isaac Paredes could mitigate the potential loss of first baseman Christian Walker to free agency this coming winter.
The suitability of Paredes for Arizona might surpass other teams. General Manager Mike Hazen has not yet committed to acquiring new talent at the deadline, but it would be quite disappointing if last year's NL pennant winners do not make a concerted effort to return to the postseason.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
An Isaac Paredes Trade?
Tampa Bay’s chances of clinching the AL East are virtually nonexistent. The Rays remain contenders in the Wild Card race, yet they would need to surpass at least two teams among the Twins, Red Sox, Royals, and Astros to secure a playoff spot. Each of these teams is outperforming them significantly.
Consequently, it seems logical for the Rays to consider selling at the deadline. It's a surprising turn for a team that secured 99 victories just the previous season, but it's the current reality.
The organization is no stranger to making bold trades. This month alone, Aaron Civale and Phil Maton have been traded away, and in the past, even during more competitive seasons, major players have been moved. Therefore, if the Rays aim to capitalize on what is likely a seller’s market—particularly for hitters—their optimal strategy might be to trade All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes.
Paredes boasts 15 home runs, a 139 wRC+, and 2.8 fWAR for the season and was recently named to his first All-Star team. Over the last two seasons, he ranks 11th among qualified AL batters in both wRC+ and fWAR.
