Former Tigers infielder on the move again as part of the Kyle Tucker trade

DETROIT — Isaac Paredes’ reunion with the Chicago Cubs didn’t last very long.

The former Detroit Tigers infielder is on the move again, traded to the Houston Astros on Tuesday as part of a package of players for outfielder Kyle Tucker.

Right-hander Hayden Wesneski and prospect Cam Smith are also headed to Houston in the deal.

The Cubs acquired Paredes in July from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Originally signed by Chicago out of Mexico in 2015, Paredes was sent to the Tigers on July 31, 2017, along with third baseman Jeimer Candelario in exchange for left-handed reliever Justin Wilson and catcher Alex Avila.

The trade involving his son turned out to be one of the best deals of former general manager Al Avila’s tenure. The decision to part with Paredes in 2022 — a reaction to Riley Greene’s unexpected spring training injury — may have been one of his worst.

The Tigers sent Paredes to the Rays just before Opening Day in 2022 for outfielder Austin Meadows.

Paredes played sporadically for the Tigers in 2020 and 2021, but never solidified an everyday role. But he quickly became a key contributor for the Rays. In 2023, he hit 31 homers and had 98 RBIs in 571 plate appearances. He posted an .840 OPS (131 OPS+) while playing every position in the infield.

Paredes made his first All-Star game in 2024, but struggled after the trade to Chicago.

His role with the Astros is unclear. If Houston doesn’t re-sign star third baseman Alex Bregman, Paredes could slide in to replace him. But if the Astros bring back Bregman, Paredes would fit in at first base as well.