Astros Trade Rumors: Rays All-Star could be a good fit for Houston at first base, per MLB insider

When the Houston Astros signed Jose Abreu to a three-year, $58.5 million deal ahead of the 2023 season, the club expected the first baseman to produce. However, in baseball, things rarely go according to plan.

On June 14, Houston released Abreu, a former MVP, after he hit a mere .124/.167/.195 on the season. Since then, Jon Singleton has filled in at first. However, the Astros know that if they want to go deep into the playoffs, they'll need a bigger bat at the position.

Although Houston's .261 team batting average leads MLB, the club has had to deal with a deficit of power. Currently, the Astros rank last in both slugging percentage and OPS at first base. However, an MLB analyst has chimed in with a suggestion.

"@JonHeyman mentions a potential All-Star fit at first base for the Astros ahead of the July 30 Trade Deadline" - MLB Network

In an appearance on MLB Network on Monday, MLB analyst Jon Heyman outlined a player he feels the Houston Astros should pursue. Although not a natural first baseman, Heyman cited Tampa Bay Rays utility man Isaac Paredes as a trade candidate for the Astros.

Paredes, a 25-year-old native of Sonora, has had 36 appearances at first base since the start of 2023. After playing first during the Rays' weekend series against the New York Yankees, Paredes added to his credentials at the corner position.

"A 3-run shot off the bat of Isaac Paredes" - MLB

Trained as a third baseman, Isaac Paredes has hit .255/.357/.455 with 16 home runs and 51 RBIs this season, numbers that place him in the territory of having a career season. Now in his fifth season, Paredes was recently named an All-Star for the first season of his career.

Rays remain open to offers on Isaac Paredes

Though his one-year, $3.4 million contract expires at the end of the season, Paredes is set to remain under the Rays' control until the 2028 season. With the team now 10 games behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East, interest in dealing the youngster is strong, with Andy Martino recently writing for SNY:

"Rays All-Star Isaac Paredes is capable of playing all four infield positions. According to league sources, the Rays would at least listen on Paredes"

The desire and need for a player like Paredes certainly exists for Houston. Whether or not they have enough to make an exchange worthwhile for Tampa remains to be seen.