Pirates trade proposal from ESPN lands 92-homer All-Star from Astros for two young players

This offseason, the Pittsburgh Pirates have been seeking out some major offensive upgrades. But their search hasn't gone well.

They missed out on Kyle Schwarber, and most recently, whiffed on signing Eugenio Suarez. Now, looking for a new target, the Pirates could explore the trade market.

If they do, ESPN's David Schoenfield proposed a trade between the Pirates and the Houston Astros. It would send two young players from the Pirates to the Astros in exchange for 92-homer All-Star slugger Isaac Paredes and some cash.

Pirates trade proposal lands Isaac Paredes for 2 young players

Schonefield's proposed trade would send third baseman Jared Triolo and left-handed pitcher Hunter Barco to the Astros for Isaac Paredes and cash considerations.

The Pirates have been trying to find ways to improve the team this offseason, and upgrading on offense is one key way to do so.

Paredes, a slugging infielder who could man third base for the Pirates, would be a great option to go after in the trade market.

He's 26 years old and will be under club control for the next two seasons. The two-time All-Star has hit 92 home runs in his career, and has a .237 batting average and a .766 OPS during the six seasons he's played in the Major Leagues.

But, recently, Paredes has been even better. This past season for the Astros, he hit .254 with an 809 OPS and hit 20 home runs in 102 games despite missing a lot of time due to injury.

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The package the Pirates would be moving on from to land Paredes wouldn't be cheap. Triolo is a Gold Glove-winning fielder and had a .667 OPS last year in a decent season for the Pirates.

Unlike Paredes, who is under club control through 2027, Triolo is under club control through 2029. Two extra years of control matters, but to get an offensive upgrade like Paredes, it's worth it.

Also going to the Astros in this proposed deal is Barco, a lefty who's 25 years old, and pitched just three innings last season with a 0.00 ERA for the Pirates. He's a highly rated prospect and would not be a cheap piece to give up in this deal.

This proposal from Schonefield is an interesting one. Landing Paredes would be fun for the Pirates, but this cost might be too much for Pittsburgh to part with.

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