Here is some of the latest chatter regarding the Houston Astros and the St. Louis Cardinals
I have confirmed these discussions with another source close to the Cardinals organization as well. These discussions match up to conversations I have had on AREA45 on Sportsradio 610 regarding the Astros interest in Brendan Donovan and Sonny Gray, as well as the fact that the Astros are having discussions regarding both 1B Christian Walker and 3B Isaac Paredes and they assess the value of those players on the market.
While they are having discussions regarding both Walker and Paredes, that is not indicative that both would be moved, but rather an assessment of the value of those players on the market and what they could get in return.
Paredes obviously has significantly more value in trade discussions due to his age, team control, most recent offensive season, and the fact he is a strong offensive performer at a premium position. Walker’s age and contract are detriments to his value on the market, but the overriding sentiment is that the Astros would prefer to trade Walker if they can find a deal that doesn’t require them to eat too much money and/or gives the return they seek if they do. It is not expected that Houston would be open to paying down more than half the value of the remaining two years on the contract.
Paredes had a return to form season, hitting .254 with a .352 OBP and .809 OPS. With 2 years of arbitration remaining, Paredes value is very strong and 3B is a position of need around the league.
Houston is very much in the market for starting pitching, relievers, and a left-handed bat.
While both Donovan and Gray have obvious reasons for the Astros to be interested, Contreras presents a different issue of fit.
It is not currently expected that Contreras is willing to become a part-time player, but Contreras does want opportunity to catch at least occasionally. He has transformed to a full time 1B, and his age and contract are similar to Walker’s. Walker’s more prodigious power and defensive superiority, in addition to one less year of contract, seem to make Walker the better option for the next 2 seasons for Houston.
Houston has been interested in Donovan since the 2025 trade deadline and their interest in Sonny Gray goes back to 2017 when he was a member of the then-Oakland A’s.
