All the news and rumors for the Houston Astros and from all around MLB – it’s in here! The final offseason Crawfish Boil of 2025!
- Former MLB pitcher C.J. Nitkowski on the current starting pitching market, including former Astros SP Framber Valdez:
- Closer Kirby Yates is joining the Angels:
The deal is 1 year for $5M.
- Did the Astros find an uncut gem in an undrafted pitcher?
- Former Astros reliever Nick Hernandez is joining the Athletics organization:
A former Houston Cougar who also attended Alvin CC and Dulles HS in Sugar Land, Hernandez owns a career 7.06 ERA across 21.2 IP at the MLB level. He has a 3.12 career ERA at the AAA level over 193.1 IP.
- Robert Murray shares the latest things he’s hearing on the Baseball Insiders podcast:
Cliff Notes:
- Imai’s deadline is Jan 2.
- He still needs to take a physical with a team, so Murray expects clarity on Imai in the next 24 hrs.
- Cubs haven’t spent a lot of money this offseason.
- Phillies and Yankees have no buzz on Imai.
- White Sox not likely in on Imai.
- Red Sox are a maybe.
- Giants can’t be ruled out on Imai but are more likely to pursue trade market.
- Could the Angels make use of their Rendon savings and go after Cody Bellinger?
- Yankees still most likely destination for Bellinger.
- Ruiz deal for Dodgers doesn’t necessarily mean a move for Kyle Tucker (or another star player) is coming.
- Dodgers should always be considered lurking suitors for a top player.
- Could Ketel Marte be staying put in Arizona?
- If Marte stays with DBacks, that likely takes them out of the Alex Bregman sweepstakes.
- Red Sox remain most likely destination for Bregman.
- Blue Jays interested in Bregman, but Murray thinks keeping Bo Bichette is their preference.
- Cubs have interest but lack of spending unlikely to change enough to sign Bregman.
- Katie Woo and Will Sammon of The Athletic share some dirt from around the league:
Cliff Notes:
- Why Tyler Soderstrom – a 2nd generation player – signed an extension at 24
- What is the hold up for the Cardinals in trading Brendan Donovan – and the Red Sox emerge as a top suitor
- What led to the trade of Willson Contreras
- Latest on Nolan Arenado trade market
- Could Reds move a starter for an OF bat?
- Deadlines for Imai, Okamoto coming
- Could there be a chance the Astros are a stalking horse on Imai, if he winds up taking a shorter deal like Murakami?
- Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen says he expects a resolution on Ketel Marte “shortly”:
- Tyler Mahle will now be pitching by the Bay:
It is expected to be a “prove it” type of deal as Mahle has dealt with several injuries. Mahle made only 16 starts in 2025 for the Rangers, going 6-4 with a 2.18 ERA in 86.2 IP.
- Hunter Harvey will be a Northsider in 2026:
- Meanwhile, on the South Side, the White Sox take a flier on a former top prospect:
- The Cincinnati Reds continue this year’s hottest offseason trend of signing pitchers who have found success overseas and bringing them back the United States:
- Anthony Rendon’s career is officially over:
- Former MLB GM Jim Duquette thinks the Angels should put their Rendon savings to good use, and sign one of Imai or Okamoto:
- Dani Wexelman thinks the Yankees should be bringing back Cody Bellinger:
- Jim Duquette also thinks Bellinger will be staying in the Bronx on a long term deal:
- Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports the Mariners aren’t done yet. They are still talking on Cardinals 2B/OF Brendan Donovan, Diamondbacks 2B Ketel Marte, and would like to find a way to bring back 3B Eugenio Suarez:
- ESPN’s David Schoenfield has one number for every team in the AL that can make or break every team’s chances of contending in 2026:
- Alexei Ramirez is making a comeback for the WBC:
Once upon a time, Ramirez finished 2nd in AL ROY in 2008. He also has one All Star appearance and two Silver Sluggers to his credit. He last played in the majors in 2016. He also played in the Mexican League in 2018.
Romero went on to identify more players who also took part in the inaugural WBC and could be returning 20 years later:
- Hembo takes issue with the committee that voted on the Hall of Fame candidacy of former Dodgers star Fernando Valenzuela:
- The amazing Sarah Langs with one amazing stat for each team in 2025. What do you think it was for the Astros? Find out below:
https://www.mlb.com/news/cool-stats-for-each-mlb-team-in-2025
