The Houston Astros may be running out of time to solve a growing roster problem — and one potential trade partner is starting to look like their best option.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, moving infielder Isaac Paredes before Opening Day isn’t just an option for Houston. It’s becoming a necessity. More specifically, Rosenthal suggested the Astros should target a left-handed-hitting outfielder in return.
The reason is simple: Houston’s roster currently has an infield surplus and an outfield need.
With multiple players competing for infield roles, the Astros appear motivated to clear space. At the same time, the club still lacks a dependable left-handed bat in the outfield — something that could balance the lineup heading into the 2026 season.
Houston does technically have internal options. But neither Joey Loperfido nor Zach Cole has done enough to fully secure the job.
Loperfido has been given several opportunities at the major league level, yet a true breakout has yet to materialize. His slow start this spring — hitting just .071 through six games — hasn’t helped his case. Cole, meanwhile, has made strong contact but hasn’t translated that into meaningful production.
That uncertainty has fueled outside speculation about a trade.
Bleacher Report recently proposed a deal that would send Paredes to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for outfielder Garrett Mitchell and left-handed reliever Aaron Ashby — a move that could address several of Houston’s roster concerns at once.
At first glance, the return might not seem overwhelming. But the fit begins to make more sense when the Astros’ current situation is considered.
Mitchell, a left-handed hitter, would immediately fill the specific need Houston is trying to address. When healthy, he has already shown he can be productive in the majors. In 2024, he posted an impressive 127 wRC+ across 69 games.
The issue with Mitchell has never been talent.
Durability has been the real obstacle. His 2024 season ended prematurely after shoulder surgery in July, and injuries have interrupted several stretches of his young career.
Still, the upside remains intriguing — particularly for a team that needs athleticism and left-handed offense in the outfield.
The addition of Ashby could also strengthen Houston’s pitching depth. The left-handed reliever brings high velocity and swing-and-miss potential, and he would give the bullpen another power arm from the left side.
That could prove especially valuable with uncertainty surrounding closer Josh Hader.
There is also a financial component to consider. Moving Paredes in this type of deal would save the Astros a few million dollars, creating a bit more flexibility against the luxury tax as the season unfolds.
Ideally, Houston might prefer a safer outfield option than Mitchell. But the reality is that the Astros may not have much negotiating leverage.
Few teams have shown serious interest in Paredes recently. The Pittsburgh Pirates have reportedly checked in, but they lack the left-handed outfield bat Houston is seeking.
Milwaukee, on the other hand, fits the profile.
The Brewers currently have a need at third base after unexpectedly trading Caleb Durbin to the Boston Red Sox — a move that effectively removed Boston from the Paredes conversation.
If Milwaukee believes Paredes can add much-needed power to their lineup, a deal could benefit both teams.
For Houston, the clock is ticking. Clearing the infield logjam and strengthening the outfield before Opening Day could become one of the Astros’ most important moves of the spring.
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