Astros Pick Up Paredes’ Option as Roster Decisions Loom
On November 3, the Houston Astros exercised Isaac Paredes’ $13.35 million option for 2027, keeping the infielder under team control for one more season as they weigh how to manage a crowded roster.
The option prevents Paredes’ salary from going to arbitration and keeps him in Houston through 2027. He can become a free agent after the season, as can shortstop Jeremy Peña, who is entering his final year of arbitration eligibility. Peña earned $9.5 million in 2026, with his 2027 salary projected at about $13.1 million.
The Astros have five prominent infielders to fit into their plans, a challenge for new general manager Randy Flores. Paredes and Peña are possible trade candidates, while first baseman Christian Walker could also be moved. Walker is due $20 million in 2027, is 36, and has a limited no-trade clause covering six teams. He hit 29 home runs last season but posted a .611 OPS over his final 90 games.
Paredes hit 25 home runs and drove in 94 runs in 2026, producing 4.4 fWAR. His defensive metrics were mixed: his Fielding Run Value improved to zero, but he ranked in the 29th percentile in OAA. Peña recorded 3.4 fWAR in 112 games, though his defense fell from +8 OAA in 2025 to -6 last season.
Houston could try to find roles for all five infielders, including using Carlos Correa at third base or first and shifting Paredes or Correa to second alongside Jose Altuve. But trading Peña would leave Correa as the leading shortstop option, despite his injury history and a 2026 season in which he played 32 games. The Astros must decide whether to pursue an extension for Peña or consider a trade return before he reaches free agency.