What happened: Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller pitched Isaac Paredes to Pittsburgh as a third-base answer this offseason. The suggestion follows last winter's Pittsburgh-Houston deal that brought Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum and Mason Montgomery to the Pirates. Paredes has played mainly third base in two seasons with Houston with second-base versatility.

Why it matters: Third base is thin for Pittsburgh with Lowe headed to free agency after a 150-game, 35-homer season. Houston has an infield logjam after Carlos Correa returned in 2025 while Paredes was sidelined long term. A second straight Pirates-Astros deal would test whether last offseason's production can be repeated.

What to watch: Pittsburgh's search for infield offense and Houston's infield surplus will decide if talks advance this offseason.