In the game of baseball, player adjustments are constant and multifaceted. Pitchers might tweak their mechanics, introduce a new pitch, or simply shift their position on the mound. Position players, too, are always adapting—adjusting their defensive positioning, refining their swing paths, or changing their mental approach at the plate. While some changes are obvious, others fly under the radar, quietly reshaping careers.
The most compelling part of these adjustments is their unpredictability. Some tweaks yield immediate, lasting results, while others fizzle out or even backfire. For some players, a subtle change can be the catalyst for a breakout. One such example currently unfolding in Houston involves infielder Isaac Paredes.
Since debuting in 2020, Paredes has quietly built a reputation as a steady and above-average hitter, sporting a wRC+ between 115 and 136 in recent seasons. His brief stint with the Cubs last year was forgettable, but for most of his career, he’s been a reliable contributor. Now with the Astros—acquired in the trade that sent Kyle Tucker out of town—Paredes is off to a particularly strong start in his new environment.
In his first 42 games with Houston, Paredes has posted a 141 wRC+ across 179 plate appearances, a significant jump even by his own solid standards. The most telling indicator of this improvement? His swing decisions.
Strikeouts were never a major issue for Paredes. Entering the season, his career strikeout rate sat at a manageable 17.1%, and that figure has remained consistent at 16.8% in 2025. The real shift has come in his walk rate. This year, he’s walking in 15.1% of his plate appearances—well above his career average of 11.2%. That kind of plate discipline doesn’t happen by accident.
Paredes has become more selective, laying off borderline pitches and forcing pitchers to challenge him in the zone. This refined approach has paid dividends, helping him get into more favorable counts and punishing mistakes with greater frequency. It’s a classic case of a hitter trusting the process, understanding his strengths, and executing a plan at the plate.
Adjustments like this often go unnoticed because they don’t always involve a drastic swing change or a mechanical overhaul. But for players like Paredes, a smarter approach can be just as impactful as increased power or speed. And for the Astros, it means yet another weapon in an already potent lineup.
If this version of Isaac Paredes is here to stay, Houston may have found more than just a solid contributor—they may have landed a difference-maker.
Leave a Reply