The Houston Astros struck gold this offseason with the Kyle Tucker trade, acquiring standout outfielder Cam Smith and third baseman Isaac Paredes. Unfortunately, days before the MLB trade deadline, Paredes suffered a significant injury.
Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters this week that Paredes is dealing with a “pretty significant” hamstring injury and that there is no timeline for his return. Following that, ESPN’s Jorge Castillo reported that the Astros are now in the trade market for a third baseman.
With that in mind, let’s examine some Astros trade targets at third base.
Ryan McMahon, Colorado Rockies
If the Astros want a potential multi-year solution at third base, potentially allowing for Isaac Paredes to become the designated hitter in 2026, Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon is a compelling option. He’s under team control through 2027 ($16 million AAV) and is above-average defensively (4 Defensive Runs Save, T-12th). While the offense production leaves a bit to be desired, he has a .744 OPS and a .241/.324/.420 triple-slash line over the last five seasons. He’s a very stable option for Houston.
- Ryan McMahon stats (ESPN): .217/.314/.403, .717 OPS, 16 home runs, 35 RBI
Related: MLB Trade Deadline Predictions, including Astros
Ke’Bryan Hayes, Pittsburgh Pirates
Among our Astros trade targets at third base, only one can match or exceed the production Isaac Paredes gave the team. Ke’Bryan Hayes isn’t that guy, but the Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman is vastly superior to Paredes defensively. The former Gold Glove Award winner leads his position in Defensive Runs Saved with 15, a total equaling the next two players (Benjamin Williamson and Ernie Clement) combined. Hayes is under club control through 2029, earning $7 million annually from 2025 to 2027, then $8 million for 2028–29, with a $12 million club option for 2030. He would instantly provide Houston with elite defense at the hot corner, and his .762 OPS in 2023 shows there is at least some upside with the bat.
- Ke’Bryan Hayes stats (ESPN): .243/.288/.300, .588 OPS, 34 RBI, 34 runs scored, 10 steals
Related: Houston Astros game today, Astros schedule 2025
Eugenio Suarez, Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez wouldn’t just fill the void left in the Astros lineup by Paredes’ injury; he would likely exceed that production. Entering MLB games today, Suárez ranks fourth in MLB with 36 home runs and leads the league with 86 RBI. Since he is on an expiring contract, third base would be open for Paredes in 2026. Suárez is even worse defensively (-4 Defensive Runs Saved) than Paredes (-3 DRS), but he is a true middle-of-the-order hitter.
- Eugenio Suarez stats (ESPN): .252/.325/.593, .918 OPS, 36 home runs, 86 RBI, 18 doubles in 369 at-bats
Related: Eugenio Suarez Trade Destinations
Ramon Urias, Baltimore Orioles
Houston has a problem. The market is pretty thin at third base, especially if the club only wants a short-term solution. Ke’Bryan Hayes and Ryan McMahon will cost more because they’re under contract for multiple seasons and Eugenio Suarez is the best player available at the MLB trade deadline. If the Astros want a cheap solution, Ramon Urias might be the guy.
- Ramon Urias stats (ESPN):.247/.300/.370, .671 OPS, 6 home runs, 30 RBI, 12 doubles
The Baltimore Orioles‘ third baseman has a .671 OPS this season, but he was much better in his previous four years (.732 OPS). He’s also above-average defensively, ranking in the 86th percentile for Outs Above Average (3) and is tied with Alex Bregman this season for the eighth-most Defensive Runs Saved (5). The 31-year-old could be a cost-effective option.
