The Houston Astros have made a lot of connections recently ahead of the trade deadline. With less than 48 hours to go, the Astros have been linked to a few different third base trade options at the trade deadline.
As Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports, the Astros are in on Nolan Arenado, Carlos Correa, and Eugenio Suarez, all to replace Paredes. Those trade rumors are bad news for Isaac Paredes, the team's third baseman who's out with a hamstring injury.
Nightingale provides a clear reason why the Astros are making trade inquiries with all of these third basemen: Paredes' injury could be season-ending.
"The Houston Astros," Nightengale writes, "fearing that power-hitting third baseman Isaac Paredes will miss the remainder of the season with his strained hamstring, are interested in bringing in one of their jilted lovers to replace him."
Correa was a former Astro, while Arenado vetoed a trade in the offseason. Suarez is the only player they're linked to without a direct Houston connection, but the Arizona Diamondbacks slugger would fit nicely in the lineup for Houston like the rest.
Adding a player of their caliber is a tell-tale sign that the Astros believe the injury to Paredes is serious. If it wasn't a major long-term concern this season, the Astros might target a lesser third baseman at the deadline, if one at all.
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But their interest in the top third baseman on the market is a sign that Paredes' injury might be a long-term one, and a potentially season-ender at that.
He was one of the Astros' best hitters this season, being named an All-Star, and hitting .259 on the year with 19 home runs and 50 RBIs in 94 games played. His .829 OPS was the second-highest on the team, behind only Jeremy Pena amid his breakout season.
But his hamstring strain might be serious enough to require surgery and force the 26-year-old to miss the rest of the season. He was acquired from the Chicago Cubs as part of the Kyle Tucker blockbuster, along with rookie Cam Smith.
While it's been a win-win trade, the injury to Paredes is a tough blow for the Astros. He's seeking a second opinion on his hamstring injury, and the Astros are scouring the market for a top third baseman.
Houston's interest in the top options is a clear indication that the team is preparing for life without Paredes this season. It's a tough blow for Paredes and the Astros, as he was in the middle of a great season in his first year in Houston.
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