The Houston Astros have spent the entire offseason trying to solve one increasingly complicated problem.
What do they do with Isaac Paredes?
Despite heavy trade rumors for months, Houston has yet to find a deal that satisfies their asking price. Meanwhile, the club’s infield situation has grown more crowded, leaving the slugging third baseman without a clear everyday role.
Now, a new proposal from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic suggests a potential path forward — and it could involve a blockbuster three-team trade with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Cardinals Outfielders Emerge as Potential Targets
According to Rosenthal, the Cardinals could provide a solution for Houston’s biggest roster need: a left-handed hitting outfielder.
Two names stand out:
- Lars Nootbaar
- Alec Burleson
Both players bring different strengths and would address Houston’s search for offensive balance in the outfield.
However, there’s a complication.
The Cardinals are currently in a rebuilding phase, which makes Paredes an awkward fit for them directly. That’s where a third team would come into play — taking on Paredes while allowing St. Louis to send an outfielder to Houston.
Rosenthal believes that type of creative deal is exactly what Astros GM Dana Brown should be exploring.
Burleson vs. Nootbaar: Who Fits Houston Better?
If the Astros were able to pull off such a trade, deciding which Cardinals outfielder they’d prefer becomes the next question.
Alec Burleson
Burleson may be the better offensive fit. In 2025, he posted a strong slash line:
- .290 AVG
- .343 OBP
- .459 SLG
- 18 HR
- 59 RBI
Although he spent most of last season at first base, he can still play the outfield — though his defense is considered below average.
Still, his offensive production would immediately strengthen Houston’s lineup.
Lars Nootbaar
Nootbaar brings the opposite profile.
He’s a strong defender in the outfield, something Houston could value heavily. However, his offensive production dipped last season:
- .234 AVG
- .325 OBP
- .361 SLG
While he did record a career high in RBIs, the drop in overall offensive output could make him a riskier acquisition.
Why Houston Needs to Act
The Astros’ roster crunch has reached a point where standing pat may not be an option.
Between Christian Walker and Paredes, Houston simply doesn’t have enough defensive spots or plate appearances to keep everyone satisfied. And with other teams aware of their situation, the Astros’ trade leverage has slowly eroded.
Earlier in the offseason, the Boston Red Sox looked like a natural trade partner. But Boston’s recent move to acquire Caleb Durbin reduced their urgency, leaving Houston scrambling for alternative solutions.
A Late-Offseason Opportunity
If Dana Brown can still find a way to turn the Paredes dilemma into a trade for a proven outfielder like Nootbaar or Burleson, it would represent a significant win for the Astros.
Pulling off a deal that solves their infield logjam while simultaneously addressing a lineup need would dramatically improve Houston’s roster outlook heading into 2026.
For now, it remains speculation.
But with Opening Day approaching — and the Paredes situation still unresolved — the Astros may soon be forced to make a move.
And it might take a three-team blockbuster to finally untangle the mess.
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