Parra is a two-time Gold Glove Award winner and won the 2019 World Series as a member of the Nationals.

On May 13, 2009, the Diamondbacks promoted Parra to the major leagues from the Double A Mobile BayBears when left fielder Conor Jackson was placed on the disabled list.

[8] On July 31, 2014, the Diamondbacks traded Parra to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for minor leaguers Mitch Haniger and Anthony Banda.

[11] After a slow start with the Orioles, Parra tied a career-high in hits with five on August 16 in an 18–2 victory over the Oakland Athletics.

On April 13, 2018, Parra was suspended for four games due to his involvement in a brawl that occurred with the Padres two days prior.

On October 30, 2018, the Rockies declined the 2019 option on Parra's contract, instead paying him a $1.5 million buyout and making him a free agent.

[14] On February 12, 2019, Parra signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants that included an invitation to spring training.

[19] In a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 3, Parra was called upon to pitch in the 8th inning with the Nationals trailing 11–4.

[20] He gave up 5 runs on 1 hit and 4 walks before being replaced by another position player, Brian Dozier, and the Nationals eventually lost 18–7.

[26] On November 20, 2019, Parra signed a one-year contract with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball.