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Christian Walker Christian Walker Agrees to deal with Houston Fri, Dec 20, 2024, 12:05 PM The Astros agreed to terms on a three-year, $60 million contract with Walker on Friday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports. Analysis: The Astros have their first baseman, which means Isaac Paredes will play third base and Alex Bregman is likely to sign somewhere else. Walker, who turns 34 in March, is the premier defensive first baseman in the game, having won three straight Gold Gloves and boasting the defensive metrics to match. He's also averaged 31.7 home runs over the last three seasons and should provide a boost in the middle of the Astros' lineup, provided he doesn't experience a steep aging curve like Jose Abreu.
Hayden Wesneski Hayden Wesneski Goes to Houston in Tucker trade Fri, Dec 13, 2024, 1:53 PM The Astros acquired Wesneski, Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith from the Cubs on Friday in exchange for Kyle Tucker, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Wesneski put up a 3.86 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 67:21 K:BB over 67.2 innings with the Cubs this past season, splitting time between the rotation and bullpen. He'll surely be stretched out during spring training, but the right-hander's ultimate role next season could depend on what other moves Houston makes this winter.
Isaac Paredes Isaac Paredes Headed to Houston Fri, Dec 13, 2024, 1:49 PM The Astros acquired Paredes, Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith from the Cubs on Friday in exchange for Kyle Tucker, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: The Astros reportedly tried to trade for Paredes at the deadline before he went to the Cubs, but they've now got their man after his pit stop in Chicago. Paredes slashed a pedestrian .238/.346/.393 with 19 home runs in 2024 between the Rays and Cubs, but his pull-heavy swing is perfect for his new home park, giving him a good chance to bounce back in the power department in 2025. Currently, Paredes would be in line to play third base for the Astros, but he could shift over to first base if the club re-signs Alex Bregman.
Joe Hudson Joe Hudson Catches on with Houston Thu, Dec 12, 2024, 10:26 AM The Astros signed Hudson to a minor-league contract Dec. 9. Analysis: Hudson, 33, got into one game with the Mets in 2024, which was his first action at the big-league level since 2020. He provides organizational catching depth and should be assigned to Triple-A Sugar Land to begin the 2025 campaign.
Yordan Alvarez Yordan Alvarez Less action in left field for 2025? Mon, Dec 9, 2024, 4:51 PM Manager Joe Espada said Monday that he would like to "cut back" on Alvarez's playing time in left field for the 2025 season, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Of the 147 regular-season games Alvarez played in 2024, 94 of them were as the designated hitter compared to 53 games in left field. Part of Espada's desire to restrict Alvarez's playing time in the outfield is partially due with the left-handed slugger's right knee sprain toward the end of the 2024 regular season. If Alvarez serves as the Astros' full-time DH for 2025, that would mean more playing time in the outfield for the likes of Chas McCormick, Mauricio Dubon and 24-year-old Zach Dezenzo, who Rome notes played in left field during winter baseball in Puerto Rico.
Steven Okert Steven Okert Signs minors deal with Houston Tue, Nov 12, 2024, 9:51 PM Okert signed a minor-league contract with the Astros on Nov. 5. Analysis: Okert appeared in 44 games for the Twins in 2024, putting up a 5.09 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 35.1 innings -- his worst statistical season since 2017. The 33-year-old southpaw will have an opportunity to bounce back with the Astros organization, though he will likely need to redeem himself at Triple-A Sugar Land before getting a chance to pitch for Houston.
Taylor Trammell Taylor Trammell Traded to Houston Mon, Nov 4, 2024, 2:33 PM The Astros acquired Trammell from the Yankees on Monday in exchange for cash considerations, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Trammell was just added to the 40-man roster over the weekend to keep him from reaching minor-league free agency and now has been flipped to a new team. The 27-year-old has hit just .167/.270/.363 with a 37.1 percent strikeout rate over parts of four major-league seasons.
Mauricio Dubon Mauricio Dubon Set to undergo thumb surgery Wed, Oct 9, 2024, 8:22 AM Dubon will undergo surgery to repair a torn UCL in his left thumb, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Rome reveals that Dubon suffered the injury back on Sept. 6 but elected to delay surgery until the offseason. The rehab is expected to take 6-to-8 weeks, so the utility player should be ready to go for the start of spring training. Dubon is slated for salary arbitration for a third year this offseason after slashing .269/.296/.361 with four home runs and three stolen bases over 137 contests.
Jose Urquidy Jose Urquidy Team hopes for late July return Thu, Oct 3, 2024, 10:54 AM Astros general manager Dana Brown said Thursday that Urquidy (elbow) is projected to return in late July next season, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Urquidy underwent his second Tommy John surgery in June, so a return in a little over a year would be aggressive. Of course, any timetable at this juncture of recovery is a rough approximation. Urquidy is arbitration eligible for a final time this offseason, and it would seem as though the Astros plan to tender him a contract for 2025.
Cristian Javier Cristian Javier GM hoping for late July return Thu, Oct 3, 2024, 10:49 AM Astros general manager Dana Brown said Thursday that Javier (elbow) is projected to return in late July of next season, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Analysis: It's an ambitious timeline considering Javier underwent Tommy John surgery in June. Any projected timetable at this stage of rehab is approximate, but it does appear Brown expects Javier to have a good shot to contribute shortly after the All-Star break next season.
Justin Verlander Justin Verlander Plans to continue pitching in 2025 Thu, Oct 3, 2024, 10:02 AM Verlander said Wednesday that he plans to continue his major-league career in 2025, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. Analysis: Verlander -- who will turn 42 in February -- battled through a disappointing 2024 season, finishing with a 5.48 ERA and 74:27 K:BB over 90.1 innings covering 17 starts before being left off the Astros wild-card roster. He began the year on the injured list with a shoulder problem and also missed substantial time with a neck issue, an injury which he has indicated he might have come back too soon from and could have affected his performance. Given his age and the season he just had, Verlander will enter free agency with question marks, but he shouldn't have trouble finding a team willing to take a shot on a bounce-back showing in 2025.
Jon Singleton Jon Singleton Absent from Game 2 lineup Wed, Oct 2, 2024, 10:24 AM Singleton is not in the lineup Wednesday for Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series versus the Tigers, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Lefty Tyler Holton is opening for the Tigers, with righty Reese Olson seen as likely to cover multiple innings in relief. Singleton could enter mid-game when a righty is in there, but the Astros will go with the switch-hitting Victor Caratini again at first base to begin the contest.
Jake Meyers Jake Meyers Not in Game 2 lineup Wed, Oct 2, 2024, 10:21 AM Meyers is not in the lineup Wednesday for Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Tigers, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Meyers went hitless in two plate appearances in Game 1 before being removed for a pinch hitter. Chas McCormick is getting the start in center field and will bat ninth Wednesday.
Yusei Kikuchi Yusei Kikuchi In line for Game 3 start Wed, Oct 2, 2024, 9:57 AM Kikuchi is slated to start Thursday in Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Tigers, assuming he's not needed in relief in Game 2 on Wednesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Kikuchi has been told to be ready in relief for Game 2 with the Astros having all hands on deck as they try to avoid elimination. If Houston wins and doesn't have to use Kikuchi on Wednesday, he'll take the ball Thursday. The left-hander was outstanding after being acquired by the Astros at the trade deadline, putting up a 2.70 ERA and 76:14 K:BB over 60 innings.
Hunter Brown Hunter Brown Taking mound Wednesday Tue, Oct 1, 2024, 5:02 PM Brown will start Wednesday in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Tigers, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. Analysis: The Astros fell to the Tigers 3-1 in Game 1 on Tuesday and will send Brown to the bump for an elimination game. The 26-year-old allowed one run on three hits and a walk in his last start Sept. 23. The righty, starting after over a week of rest, will look to help preserve Houston's season.
Chas McCormick Chas McCormick On Houston's wild-card roster Tue, Oct 1, 2024, 10:11 AM The Astros activated McCormick (hand) from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Analysis: McCormick has been sidelined since mid-September with a small fracture in his right hand, but he's progressed enough to be included on the team's wild-card roster. While an option to get some reps versus lefties, McCormick is not in the Game 1 lineup against southpaw Tarik Skubal.
Justin Verlander Justin Verlander Excluded from wild-card roster Tue, Oct 1, 2024, 10:07 AM Verlander is not on the Astros' roster for the American League Wild Card Series versus the Tigers, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. Analysis: Verlander's absence from the roster, while perhaps jarring, is not a surprise, as he wasn't going to make a start in the series and was unlikely to be carried as a reliever. Whether he's on the ALDS roster, should the Astros advance, is a bigger question. Ronel Blanco and Spencer Arrighetti will be available in relief for Houston in the wild-card series.
Yordan Alvarez Yordan Alvarez In Game 1 lineup Tue, Oct 1, 2024, 9:54 AM Alvarez (knee) will start at designated hitter and bat second Tuesday in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series versus the Tigers, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Analysis: Alvarez missed the final week of the regular season with a right knee sprain, but he's progressed sufficiently enough to be included on the Astros' wild-card series roster and in their Game 1 lineup. The 27-year-old slashed .308/.392/.567 with 35 home runs in 147 games this season.
Framber Valdez Framber Valdez Named Game 1 starter Mon, Sep 30, 2024, 1:46 PM Valdez will start Game 1 of the wild-card series versus the Tigers on Tuesday, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports. Analysis: How the Astros ultimately set up their full postseason rotation will be interesting, but there wasn't much question as to whom would take the ball in Game 1. After an inconsistent first half, Valdez held a 1.96 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 87:23 K:BB over 78 frames in 12 second-half starts. He'll be opposed by Tarik Skubal.
Chas McCormick Chas McCormick Expected to be on wild-card roster Mon, Sep 30, 2024, 1:33 PM Astros manager Joe Espada said Monday that McCormick (hand) should be "ready to go" for the wild-card series against the Tigers, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. Analysis: McCormick has been shelved since mid-September with a small fracture in his right hand, but he's been working out for the past week and it appears he will be part of the Astros' wild-card roster. The switch-hitting outfielder has put up just a .577 OPS over 267 plate appearances in 2024.