Houston Astros News

Tatsuya Imai won't opt out of his three-year, $54M deal, per Jon Heyman. He stays in Houston for $36M over two more years, with another opt-out after 2027. His first MLB season: 6-4, 4.93 ERA, 97 strikeouts. 📝

Astros' Tatsuya Imai Announces Decision After One Season

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MLB Trade Rumors (Astros): Tatsuya Imai Will Not Opt Out Of Astros Deal

Tatsuya Imai Will Not Opt Out Of Astros Deal

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A Yankees mailbag suggests New York could target Astros infielders Isaac Paredes and Jeremy Peña this winter, pitching Houston's infield surplus, with Carlos Correa due back from injury, as a fix for the Yankees' offense. It's only a suggestion, not a reported talk. 🔍

Yankees Face New Shakeup Suggestion Involving Two Astros Infielders

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Astros enter the 2026-27 offseason with six free agents and one tricky contract decision. Dalton Varsho likely won't return. Bryan Abreu's salary demands may push him out. Steven Okert, a bullpen workhorse, is the one to re-sign. 🔑

Complete list of Astros 2026-27 free agents and their outlook

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Jeremy Peña's future may be the Astros' biggest offseason call. Compared with ten shortstops, he ranks fifth in bWAR per 150 games (4.90) and eighth in fWAR per 150 (3.95), so he's squarely mid-pack, minus the big-money contracts. 🤔

Lingering Jeremy Peña question will be Astros' biggest decision of the offseason

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Astros released outfielder Nelson Velázquez, 27, so he can pursue a deal with a club in Asia. The brief stint ends with 2 homers in 18 games, one a pinch-hit two-run shot in the Wild Card opener. A minor-league spot opens up. 🔓

Houston Astros Officially Release 5-Year MLB Veteran

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Jason Bell, a decade-long Astros staffer and last year's Major League field coordinator and outfield coach, is leaving to join the Red Sox's big-league staff. He's another departure after Houston parted with Joe Espada and six coaches following the Wild Card sweep. 🚪

Astros Lose Longtime Coach to Major League Rival

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Jose Altuve's Hall of Fame index sits at 219.6, just shy of the 220-230 median for Cooperstown second basemen. The series argues he could likely retire today and have the credentials, though the sign-stealing scandal and his postseason heroics complicate the case. 🔬

In the lab: Hall of Fame index second base part two

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Astros released outfielder Nelson Velazquez, who plans to pursue opportunities in Asia. Claimed off waivers from St. Louis in August, he went 3-for-27 with 13 strikeouts for Houston, two of the hits homers. Power was there; contact, not so much.

Astros Release Nelson Velazquez

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Astros reportedly interviewed ex-Nationals GM Mike Rizzo, who is said to be eager for the job. That complicates the idea that Brewers assistant Matt Kleine is the GM favorite to replace Dana Brown. The search just got a veteran wrinkle. 🔍

Astros interviewing Nationals' Mike Rizzo throws significant wrench in Matt Kleine's GM pursuit

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Yordan Alvarez is the AL MVP favorite (announced Nov. 12) after leading MLB in average (.316), OBP, slugging and OPS, with 42 homers and 106 RBIs. He's also a Silver Slugger and DH award contender, and Jeremy Peña is a Silver Slugger candidate. 🏆

With Yordan an awards season favorite, could other Astros join him?

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Astros farm arms had a loud 2026. Bryce Mayer led the system with 140 strikeouts (3.53 ERA), Jagger Beck broke out at 19 with a 2.80 ERA, and Alex Santos II posted 100 K in 65 innings out of the bullpen. ⚾

Astros Farm System: Top Pitching Performers of 2026

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Astros reportedly hired Conner Watson, formerly Cleveland's assistant director of hitting, as director of hitting. Insider Robert Murray finds it odd they're hiring staff with no GM in place, as Matt Kleine and Mike Rizzo are linked to the opening. 🤔

Astros hire new director of hitting from Guardians, but MLB insider smells a rat

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Joey Loperfido had arthroscopic surgery on his right hip for an impingement and labral injury, and his spring training availability will be delayed. No timeline was given. He's also out of options entering 2027, so the roster math just got trickier. 🩹

Joey Loperfido Undergoes Hip Surgery

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Astros starters were the short leg of the stool in 2026: 4.86 ERA (14th of 15 in the AL), 378 walks. Hunter Brown posted a 3.19 ERA over 20 starts but wasn't the ace. Peter Lambert led the staff with 29 starts and 155.2 IP. Questions remain for 2027. 🪑

Astros’ offseason: A snapshot of the starting pitching

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Joey Loperfido had arthroscopic surgery on his right hip last week for a labral injury and hip impingement, the Astros announced. He won't be ready for the start of Spring Training. The outfielder hit .214 in 40 games with Houston this year. 🩹

Loperfido undergoes hip surgery, won't be ready for Spring Training

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Joey Loperfido had arthroscopic surgery on his right hip for a labral injury and hip impingement found after the season, and he'll be behind in 2027 spring training. A possible lockout could shift that timeline. 🩹

Astros outfielder's injury update will impact his 2027 spring training availability

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Astros are reportedly interviewing Mike Rizzo for their vacant GM job Monday. The Nationals' 2019 World Series architect reportedly has a "deep desire" to join Houston, which is also seeking a replacement for manager Joe Espada. No hire is confirmed. 🔎

Astros interviewing GM candidate who built team that beat them in World Series

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Tatsuya Imai's first MLB year ended with a 4.93 ERA, a 15.1% walk rate and a bullpen demotion. He'd likely opt in for $18MM in 2027 and get another rotation shot, but the fastball/slider diet needs a viable third pitch. 🔧

Finding Solutions For Tatsuya Imai

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