The Houston Astros come into the offseason looking to add some arms. They could use a starting pitcher or two, with Framber Valdez likely headed elsewhere in free agency.
However, their tight budget will largely be at play over the winter. In 2026, they will have to pay a little under $160 million to just seven players.
That does not leave a lot of room to sign a big-time free agent, which will not bode well for the fan base after a disastrous 2025 season. This was the first time they were not a part of the postseason since the 2016 season.
Astros' budget crunch looms as MLB offseason starts to heat up
We are starting to get into the thick of things in the offseason. There have already been a few moves, and with the Winter Meetings coming up, a lot more moves are expected to be made.
Houston could be the odd man out here. Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller questions how they will navigate the offseason.
"If they fill out the rest of the 26-man roster with pre-arbitration players at $820k a pop, that brings them close to $228M—which is what their average Opening Day payroll has been over the past two seasons. Can Houston realistically be expected to bring in a marquee free agent this winter?"
Without bringing in a marquee free agent, it may be another missed postseason for the Astros. It would be tough for the front office to feel good about a starting rotation consisting of Hunter Brown and the often-injured Cristian Javier and Lance McCullers Jr.
It will be interesting to see how Houston navigates the winter months. The front office certainly has its work cut out for it in trying to put together a better product for the 2026 season.
More MLB news:
- Grayson Rodriguez's health remains one of the top questions for the Orioles
- Athletics head into the offseason with one glaring question on everyone's mind
- Giants' Logan Webb reveals his true feelings on the Tony Vitello hire
- Padres considering transitioning three relievers into starters
- Former Cubs manager calls Giants' hiring of Tony Vitello 'insulting'