Astros, Paredes Agree to $9.35M Contract

The Houston Astros and All-Star infielder Isaac Paredes agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract worth $9.35 million, avoiding a salary arbitration hearing and providing the team with added roster flexibility heading into the 2026 season.

The deal, which falls at the midpoint between Paredes' $9.95 million request and the Astros' $8.75 million offer filed on January 8, includes a $13.35 million club option for 2027. That option would convert to a mutual option if Paredes finishes among the top 10 in American League Most Valuable Player voting this year. Paredes, who turns 27 on February 18, also stands to earn a $50,000 bonus in each year for an All-Star selection. The agreement extends through his final arbitration-eligible season, offering cost certainty for the Astros or any potential acquiring team.

Paredes enjoyed a solid debut year in Houston after arriving in a December 2024 trade that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs. In 102 games, he batted .254 with a .352 on-base percentage, 20 home runs, 15 doubles and 53 RBIs, earning his second consecutive All-Star nod. A strained right hamstring sidelined him from July 19 to September 19, limiting him to 438 plate...