Reds could add monster bat as Astros payroll panic creates golden opportunity

Cincinnati Reds fans have been screaming for the organization to add some thump to the middle of the lineup, but outside of the failed attempt to sign Middletown native Kyle Schwarber, the front office has done nothing to address the roster's fatal flaw this offseason. The Reds ranked 21st in both home runs and slugging percentage last season.

While free agent upgrades like Eugenio Suárez and Miguel Andujar continue to linger on the open market, the most likely scenario for the Reds to bolster their lineup will come through a trade. Cincinnati has limited payroll flexibility this winter, and finding a pre-arb or arbitration-eligible bat would be the cheapest route to take.

Thankfully, another cash-strapped organization is looking to shed some payroll this offseason. The Houston Astros just agreed to terms with Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, and need to offload some salary in order to remain under the Competitive Balance Tax threshold. As such, Houston is looking to find a trade partner before spring training begins. The Reds could be in line to take advantage of the Astros' desperation.

Astros desperation could help bolster Reds lineup with the addition of Isaac Paredes or Jesús Sanchez

According to Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic (subscription required), Houston is looking to trade one of three players this offseason. Third baseman Isaac Paredes, first baseman Christian Walker, and outfielder Jesús Sanchez are all said to be available. Walker (and his $20 million salary) certainly doesn't fit what the Reds are looking for. But both Paredes and Sanchez would bring the type of pop Cincinnati's lineup desperately needs.

Paredes has tremendous pull-side power and cracked 20 home runs in just 102 games while dealing a severe hamstring injury last season. Sanchez, who struggled after being traded to Houston midway through the 2025 season, has a career .450 slugging percentage against right-handed pitching. Both Paredes and Sanchez come with two years of team control to boot.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Paredes is estimated to take home north of $9 million in 2026, while Sanchez's is expected to sign for $6.5 million. Both figures are a little too steep, but the right return (perhaps Gavin Lux or Jose Trevino as part of a potential trade package) could help offset the cost. Houston is said to be seeking a backup catcher, left-handed hitter, and bullpen help.

The Reds were rumored to be interested in Jake Meyers earlier this offseason, but after the Astros traded away centerfielder Jacob Melton, that swap seems less likely. Houston could still be the perfect trade partner for Cincinnati, but the focus may have shifted from Meyers to one of Paredes or Sanchez.