Honeslty, I don't think Paredes lasts 130 starts next year. I wonder if his hammy is a nagging injury now which would limit his productivity.
I don't ever want Altuve in LF, and I don't want Alvarez there for even 60 games. I think it's also likely that Brice Matthews makes a leap this season so I expect him to cover off days at 2b, SS, and 3b. It's due to my confidence in Matthews to be a quality backup that makes me okay with getting rid of the roster glut in the infield by trading Paredes if it lands either more pitching or more outfield help.
Yes the Astros been talking to the Red Sox and Mets - and the primary target has been starting pitching. No the Astros would not plan on going into the season losing Paredes and not addressing the bat situation. A lot of things would have to happen but the Astros want to add at least another controllable starter and also would make a move for a bat. Far from a guarantee that it happens but there is a method to the madness.
If the Astros add Duran (Abreu is more likely), then they would likely move Meyers for a corner outfielder or pitcher.
I promise you the Astros are not underrating Paredes. They have tried to extend him - they really like him and will only move him for value.
I'm so confused about the pitching. I wonder if it's a reflection of not believing we have a #2 or a #3 SP.
Maybe they do believe they have a number 2 in Imai. And if he is, he's most likely opting out. If they can't reach a new contract he's gone, once again leaving the team with no number 2. Nook said they want starters with term. Maybe just insurance to replace Imai. Don't need to look for another pitcher next off season and can focus on other needs.
If the Astros trade Paredes for Brayan Bello when Paredes is the second-best hitter on the team, I’d be upset. Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu need to be the centerpiece from Boston’s side, or the Astros’ front office thinks Masataka Yoshida can be a passable left fielder and he’s part of the return with Bello (assuming Boston pays enough of Yoshida’s salary).
The other options would be the Astros think Masataka Yoshida can play a serviceable left field and he’s part of this deal, or it becomes a three-team deal with St. Louis (Bello to St. Louis, Brendan Donovan to Houston, Isaac Paredes to Boston). But, I still do not see a Bello deal as likely. The Astros need a left-handed outfield bat if they trade their second-best hitter.
Abreu or Duran and Tolle for Paredes and one of our outfielders or top prospects. That would be my dream scenario.
There are some pitchers out there that the Astros like a lot. It’s more about liking what is out there.
The Astros don’t have to get a bat from Boston. It could go either way. The Astros have been talking to other teams about outfielders as well.
As always, thank you for the info @Nook . I have a difficult time seeing the Astros trade Isaac Paredes for Brayan Bello. Now, if the Cardinals like Bello and the Astros like the idea of Brendan Donovan as an everyday 2B/LF, I could see a three-team trade between Houston, Boston and St. Louis. But, the Astros need Paredes far more than they need Bello.
...but I like Boston's 2 "available" OFs better than anyone else I've heard is "available". Respect my closely-held opinion that I've held for about 48 hours, dammit.
They definitely don't need to get a bat from Boston, but they sure as hell shouldn't make a Paredes-for-a-pitcher trade until they've secured a bat from somewhere. They can't do it on the assumption that other talks will eventually lead somewhere.
