Isaac Paredes proud to rep Mexico, Astros as All-Star

HOUSTON – Isaac Paredes was already planning to use the All-Star break to rest to prepare for the second half of the season. Until Wednesday afternoon, the Astros third baseman didn’t know he would make Mexican and Major League Baseball history.

Guardians star Jose Ramirez’s decision to not play in the Midsummer Classic opened the door for Paredes. Ramirez was slated to start for the American League at third base in the All-Star Game. 

Paredes, a native of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, was all smiles when Astros manager Joe Espada revealed he was an All-Star during a pregame speech. He thanked the Astros for welcoming him with open arms.

“I think it’s something that feels beautiful,” Paredes said. “First, I’m proud to represent this team and all of Mexico.”

Mexican All-Star history

The 26-year-old slugger joins Tijuana’s Alejandro Kirk and Jonathan Aranda, and Sinaloa’s Andres Muñoz as Mexicans heading to Atlanta. It’ll be the first time in MLB history that four Mexican natives will participate at the All-Star Game. 

Although the late Fernando Valenzuela was a six-time All-Star, he was either the only Mexican at the Midsummer Classic or joined by only another Mexican player at the game. Nonetheless, the impact of Fernandomania is shown at the 2025 All-Star Game. 

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Isaac Paredes is familiar with his Mexican counterparts. Paredes played with Muñoz when they were 9 years old. They were both All-Stars last year when Paredes played for the Rays. He also played with Aranda during his tenure with Tampa Bay. He’s also hit while Kirk was catching.

“It’s very special,” Paredes said. “I don’t know if that has happened before, but it’s something beautiful. Us four Mexicans know each other very well. It’ll be something beautiful for us.

‘Perfect fit’

When the Astros first inquired about Paredes, they knew his great pull power would make a perfect fit with the Daikin Park’s Crawford Boxes. In the first half of the season, he has made a great first impression.

Thus far, he’s hit 19 home runs with 49 RBIs. Paredes has done this while hitting in multiple spots in the batting order. He also has an .830 OPS.

Paredes ranks second among AL third basemen in home runs and RBIs. He trails only Jose Ramirez in OPS among AL third basemen.
His defense has also been spectacular. He leads all AL third basemen in infield assists (147).

Espada called a huddle to address the team on Wednesday before their series finale against the Guardians. The second-year manager mentioned how they have one of the best third basemen in baseball. He also praised Paredes’ genuine attitude. He mentioned how Paredes’ character and humility made him a perfect fit for their squad.

“This guy is an incredible person,” Espada said. “I’m honored to coach him everyday. He’s arguably one the best third basemen in this game on both sides of the ball game, no doubt.”

Although Isaac Paredes had All-Star worthy numbers in the first half of the season, he finished fifth in the first phase of fan voting at third base.

He believed he should be an All-Star, but he had lost hope because he wasn’t mentioned on the reserves roster that was unveiled Sunday. Paredes suffered a similar fate,when he was left off the All-Star Game in 2023. The young slugger had 16 home runs and 43 in the first half of that season. He finished the 2023 season with a career-best 31 home runs.

Fortunately for Paredes, he’s now an All-Star.