Isaac Paredes DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Houston Astros new third baseman Isaac Paredes could hit second for the Astros this year after going 0-for-2 with a walk out of the No. 2 spot in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Washington Nationals, according to manager Joe Espada. Second baseman/outfielder Jose Altuve will hit in his customary leadoff spot, with Paredes potentially sandwiched between Altuve and outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez. It's a great spot to be, and the Astros are hoping to utilize the 26-year-old's career .333 on-base percentage and 11 percent walk rate at the top of the order. Although Paredes hit only .223/.325/.307 with three home runs and 25 RBI in 52 games last year after being traded from the Rays to the Cubs, his move to Houston is viewed as a plus for his fantasy value in 2025, especially if he's hitting second regularly. He's RotoBaller's No. 15-ranked fantasy third baseman.

The Houston Astros and third baseman Isaac Paredes avoided salary arbitration on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year, $6.625 million deal, according to a source. Paredes is heading into his first year in Houston in 2025 after the Astros acquired him from the Chicago Cubs this offseason in the blockbuster trade involving All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker. With the Astros choosing not to re-sign Alex Bregman and after signing Christian Walker to play first base, Paredes should be locked in as Houston's everyday third baseman this year. The 25-year-old right-handed slugger struggled in the second half of 2024 with the Cubbies after he was traded by the Tampa Bay Rays, but he'll have an excellent chance to bounce back in Houston as a pull-happy righty with the short porch in left field at Minute Maid Park. Paredes is getting a $3.225 million raise from last year.

The Houston Astros acquired infielder Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and third base prospect Cam Smith from the Chicago Cubs on Friday in exchange for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, according to sources. This trade certainly gives the Astros a couple fallback options in case they cannot re-sign Alex Bregman this offseason. The 25-year-old Paredes could play either third or first base next year in his first with the Astros. The Mexican infielder took a step back with 19 homers and 80 RBI with the Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays in 2024 after setting career-highs in homers (31) and RBI (98) in 2023 with Tampa to make his first All-Star team. Paredes probably is never going to be a batting-average asset for fantasy mangers, but he's a good bet to bounce back in the power department at Minute Maid Park, especially with his pull-heavy offensive approach from the right side of the plate.