The Houston Astros have reportedly been making a strong push to reunite with franchise icon Alex Bregman in free agency. However, their chances took a significant hit after the Juan Soto sweepstakes concluded, and the New York Yankees shifted their focus to Bregman. On Friday evening, the Astros traded outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for a package centered around corner infielder Isaac Paredes. While Paredes has experience at both corner infield positions, he appears poised to take over as the Astros’ new third baseman, effectively signaling a replacement for Bregman.
FanSided’s Zachary Rotman echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the trade likely paves the way for Bregman’s departure. “To be clear, there is still a path for the Astros to bring back Alex Bregman,” Rotman wrote. “Paredes is primarily a third baseman but has also played 71 games at first base in his career. Houston could theoretically re-sign Bregman for third base and shift Paredes to first. But realistically, that doesn’t seem likely.” Rotman added that it feels more probable the Astros will keep Paredes at third and explore a more affordable first-base option, such as Christian Walker. While not guaranteed, this outcome would hardly be surprising.
The Astros were once viewed as favorites to retain their World Series hero, but with the Yankees aggressively targeting Bregman and Yankees GM Brian Cashman reportedly willing to outbid them, Houston faces slim odds of matching such an offer.
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