HOUSTON — As the start of spring training approaches, Houston Astros fans are buzzing with excitement. With pitchers and catchers set to report in less than a month, the team is gearing up for a promising season ahead.
This offseason, the Astros have focused on enhancing their starting rotation and appear satisfied with their infield depth, but there may be a strategic move on the horizon to reduce payroll before they gather in West Palm Beach, Florida. Several key questions loom over the organization, prompting a two-part mailbag discussion to delve into the future of the team.
One topic of interest is the possible trade of one of the Astros’ surplus infielders. Recent developments intensified this speculation, particularly following Alex Bregman’s five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. This left the Boston Red Sox looking for options at third base, and they may rekindle their interest in Houston’s Isaac Paredes. While the Astros have no intention of trading Paredes, the dilemma of balancing his playing time with Christian Walker’s presence remains a challenge for general manager Dana Brown. It will be crucial for Paredes to receive regular at-bats to maximize the team’s potential, leading to tough decisions in the coming weeks.
The trade value of Walker appears limited due to his high salary, age, and a modest 2025 season, suggesting that any potential deal would likely yield little return for Houston. The team might need to evaluate whether parting with Paredes could bring in valuable assets, particularly as their outfield situation is not well-defined.
Discussion also turned to the future of shortstop Jeremy Peña, with fans curious if extension talks will resume. General manager Dana Brown must prioritize these discussions, especially given Peña’s eligibility for free agency after the 2027 season. The Astros had previously been close to a long-term deal with Peña before negotiations stalled. With both Peña and Hunter Brown represented by Scott Boras, navigating these talks could be complex. However, the franchise’s recent history of negotiating extensions indicates that there is optimism regarding Peña’s future with the team.
The dynamics between Astros owner Jim Crane, manager Joe Espada, and Brown appear positive on the surface, as evidenced by their camaraderie during a recent press conference. However, with contracts set to expire in 2026 and no commitments from Crane about future extensions, the pressure is on for both Brown and Espada to deliver results on the field.
Another consideration is the backup catcher position, which seems to be leaning towards César Salazar. While the organization appreciates Salazar’s handling of the pitching staff, there are concerns about how he would perform with increased playing time. This has led to the Astros exploring options for a more seasoned catcher to pair with Yainer Diaz.
Finally, as the team looks toward potential call-ups from their minor-league system, names like Lucas Spence and Joseph Sullivan have emerged as possible candidates who could surprise fans with their performances this season, reflecting Brown’s commitment to promoting talent from within the organization.
As the offseason continues, the Astros’ strategy will be closely watched as they make decisions that could shape the team’s immediate future while aiming for another successful season. The fans remain hopeful for new signings and exciting developments as the clock ticks down to spring training.