What are the Boston Red Sox plotting after signing Ranger Suárez on Wednesday to a five-year, $130 million deal? MLB analyst Steve Phillips believes that Boston will target St. Louis Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan, while The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal has a different perspective.
Appearing on the Foul Territory program on Thursday, Rosenthal mentioned Ketel Marte, Nico Hoerner, and Isaac Paredes. Rosenthal noted that Marte has already been removed from the trade block by the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are unlikely to change their stance on that. Rosenthal also called a Hoerner deal unlikely.
That leaves Paredes.
The 26-year-old Paredes has established himself as a reliable power hitter since his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2020. Over six seasons with the Tigers, Rays, Cubs, and Astros, he has compiled a .237 batting average, 92 home runs, and 287 RBIs in 566 games, posting a .766 OPS and 11.2 WAR.
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In 2025, after being traded to the Houston Astros in the Kyle Tucker deal, Paredes enjoyed a solid campaign despite injury setbacks. He batted .254 with 20 home runs and 53 RBIs in 102 games, earning his second All-Star nod as a replacement for José Ramírez. Key moments included his first Astros homer on April 11 against the Angels and a walk-off blast versus the Royals on May 13. A severe hamstring strain on July 19 sidelined him for two months, but he returned briefly in September as a designated hitter.
Paredes is arbitration-eligible for 2026, with a hearing looming after failing to agree on a salary. Astros general manager Dana Brown recently confirmed that Paredes will enter spring training fully healthy.
Featured image via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
