The Astros’ infield congestion has lingered all offseason, creating tension that grows more noticeable as spring training approaches.
Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker remain on the roster, limiting flexibility and complicating lineup construction.
For a brief moment, Houston appeared close to solving the problem through an ambitious three-team trade.
Reports indicated serious discussions involving the Astros, Red Sox, and Cardinals.
The framework would have sent Paredes to Boston and Brendan Donovan to Houston.
St. Louis reportedly would have received a prospect-heavy return to complete the arrangement.
For Houston, the deal represented more than subtraction.
Donovan’s versatility and defensive ability offered a clean fit in multiple positions.
Though primarily a second baseman, he could have stabilized left field or provided infield insurance.
Instead, negotiations stalled, reportedly centered on Boston’s reluctance to part with Wilyer Abreu.
Houston’s preference for Abreu over Jarren Duran may have created the final obstacle.
With Boston unwilling to budge, momentum shifted elsewhere.
The Red Sox pivoted quickly, acquiring Caleb Durbin in a separate move.
That transaction effectively removed Boston as a landing spot for Paredes.
Donovan eventually moved to Seattle, closing Houston’s most appealing pathway.
Now the Astros face diminished leverage.
Few teams remain motivated to absorb Paredes and his salary.
The urgency is visible, and other clubs can sense it.
Houston may now settle for financial relief rather than meaningful return.
The missed opportunity feels sharper given how balanced the original framework appeared.
Creative, multi-team trades rarely align so cleanly.
When they unravel, options shrink quickly.
Spring training approaches with the logjam intact.
And Houston must now decide whether patience, compromise, or simple salary relief becomes the new objective.
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