Reds Floated as Landing Spot in Unlikely Blockbuster Trade for Astros Star

The Cincinnati Reds made some major additions to their roster and lineup coming into this season. The biggest addition they made was late in free agency when they signed Eugenio Suárez to man the designated hitter role for this season. But they also opted to give Sal Stewart a bigger role on the team while adding players like JJ Bleday, Nathanial Lowe, and Dane Myers.

Still, the Reds could use some additional thump in their lineup. Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer recently listed the Reds as one of the top landing spots in a potential trade for Houston Astros slugger Isaac Paredes. Paredes put together a solid campaign with the Astros last season.

A Reds Trade for Isaac Paredes is Very Unlikely

Apr 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes (15) is congratulated by Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) after fielding a ball for an out against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images | Erik Williams-Imagn Images

"To be clear, Isaac Paredes can't become a free agent this winter, no matter what happens with his 2027 option," Rymer wrote. "His arbitration eligibility runs through next season. Either way, he appeared in a bunch of trade rumors over the winter precisely because he doesn't have a clear role in Houston. An injury to Carlos Correa or Christian Walker would clear that up, but he's stuck behind both for now. Beyond that, the Astros could trade him to fulfill their need for pitching. Their rotation already lacks depth, as Cristian Javier and Lance McCullers Jr. are not the pitchers they once were."

Adding the thump of Paredes' bat to the lineup would be a plus. Adding a young player like Paredes would be a plus. But it doesn't make any sense.

With the addition of Suárez at designated hitter, Paredes wouldn't be able to fit there. Matt McLain has been turning the corner at second base after struggling last season. While he's struggled a bit early on, he was scorching hot in spring training. Stewart is the franchise's cornerstone first baseman, and the Reds invested in Ke'Bryan Hayes as their Gold Glove third baseman.

While adding Paredes would be nice, it's unrealistic at this point in time.

Reds Still Need to Find a Way to Add to Their Lineup

Mar 12, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds infielder Rece Hinds against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

But the Reds still need to add thump to their lineup. They just need to add that thump in the outfield instead of at one of the corner infield spots. And they have the perfect internal option to come to the big leagues right now.

Rece Hinds is making a very strong case for a promotion from Triple-A Louisville to Cincinnati. He's homered three times early in Louisville's season, including a walk off homer on Tuesday and two homers on Wednesday. He had a strong spring training with the Reds, too.

Either way, the Reds are unlikely to make a move for another corner infielder with the way their roster currently sits.