A proposed trade that would bring shortstop Carlos Correa to the Boston Red Sox could fill an infield and designated-hitter need while moving a struggling outfielder and two pitchers to the Houston Astros.
MLB analyst Patrick McAvoy of On SI outlined a deal in which Boston would acquire Correa. Houston would receive outfielder Jarren Duran, right-hander Tanner Houck and left-hander Eduardo Rivera.
The Red Sox have been linked to Houston before, and Correa has a long history of strong production against Boston. He remains under contract for 2027 and 2028 at just over $20 million per season, with four vesting options after that.
“If the Astros blow it up, Correa is someone who has been a Boston killer and would be a very intriguing target,” McAvoy wrote.
Correa appeared in only 32 games in 2026 because of an ankle injury. In that limited sample he hit .279 with a .369 on-base percentage and .418 slugging percentage, adding three home runs and 16 RBIs. He has said his focus is returning fully healthy for 2027, when he could play shortstop, third base or designated hitter.
Duran’s value has dropped after a difficult season, which could make him easier to move. The 30-year-old hit .207 with a .266 on-base percentage and .361 slugging percentage, with 20 home runs and 69 RBIs in 151 games. He stole 21 bases but struck out 165 times and finished with a .627 OPS.
Two years earlier he was the All-Star Game MVP. In 2024 he hit .285/.342/.492 with 21 home runs, 75 RBIs, 48 doubles and 14 triples. He still has two seasons of club control remaining.
Houck, an All-Star in 2024 when he went 9-10 with a 3.12 ERA, is recovering from Tommy John surgery. He made a rehab appearance in September and is projected to be available in 2027, so Boston would be dealing a pitcher who is not expected to help immediately.
Rivera, listed as the club’s No. 18 prospect, would also head to Houston in the package. Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow is expected to reshape the roster under new manager Chad Tracy, and clearing outfield at-bats could be part of that process.
“The Astros’ pitching was brutal in 2026. In this scenario, they would get a former All-Star who is now healthy in Houck, as well as an intriguing young hurler in Rivera. Plus, of course, Duran, who has two seasons of control,” McAvoy wrote.
Houston finished 81-81 and was swept by the Chicago White Sox in the American League Wild Card Series. The Astros’ team ERA was 4.45, which ranked 24th in the majors, and general manager Dana Brown parted ways with the club in late August.
For Boston, the appeal is adding a proven right-handed bat who has punished the Red Sox in the past without surrendering top-tier prospects. Correa’s limited 2026 sample and remaining salary are the main risks.
Whether Breslow pursues anything close to the framework is unclear as both clubs begin their offseasons. The proposal simply matches a Red Sox need for another established hitter with an Astros need for outfield help and future pitching.
