Houston Astros News

Hayden Wesneski  • SP  •  Astros

Hayden Wesneski Shipped To Houston

According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Chicago Cubs are sending right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski to the Houston Astros in a package to acquire star outfielder Kyle Tucker. Wesneski was initially drafted by the New York Yankees but has spent his entire big-league career with the Chicago Cubs. Across his first three seasons in the majors (190 innings), the right-hander posted a 3.93 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. Wesneski saw time as both a starter and a reliever and logged 22 starts over his 68 total games. Last summer, the 27-year-old generated a modest 4.17 xERA and .234 xBA. In addition, he posted a 23.7% K rate and 7.4% walk rate, which were both just above the average marks among qualified pitchers. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during Spring Training as he may earn a spot in the Opening Day rotation.
4 days ago   
Isaac Paredes  • 3B  •  Astros

Isaac Paredes Shipped To Houston

The Houston Astros acquired infielder Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and third base prospect Cam Smith from the Chicago Cubs on Friday in exchange for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, according to sources. This trade certainly gives the Astros a couple fallback options in case they cannot re-sign Alex Bregman this offseason. The 25-year-old Paredes could play either third or first base next year in his first with the Astros. The Mexican infielder took a step back with 19 homers and 80 RBI with the Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays in 2024 after setting career-highs in homers (31) and RBI (98) in 2023 with Tampa to make his first All-Star team. Paredes probably is never going to be a batting-average asset for fantasy mangers, but he's a good bet to bounce back in the power department at Minute Maid Park, especially with his pull-heavy offensive approach from the right side of the plate.
4 days ago   
Kyle Tucker  • RF  •  Cubs  |  Isaac Paredes  • 3B  •  Astros

Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith Being Discussed In Potential Kyle Tucker Trade

The Chicago Cubs continue to work hard on acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, and corner infielder Isaac Paredes and third baseman Cam Smith are the primary names being discussed. In addition to the Cubs, the New York Yankees have been involved with trying to acquire the left-handed-hitting Tucker after they failed to re-sign superstar outfielder Juan Soto. Paredes, 25, was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Cubs in 2024. He wasn't as good with Chicago, hitting .223 with three homers and 25 RBI in 52 games played. There's bounce-back potential for Paredes if he heads to Houston after he hit 31 homers a year ago with Tampa. Smith, 21, is the Cubs' No. 7 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, is quickly rising up prospect ranks after hitting .313/.396/.609 with seven homers in 32 games in the minors in his first pro season after Chicago took him 14th overall in the 2024 draft. UPDATE: Talks between the Astros and Cubs are "gaining momentum."
4 days ago   
Kyle Tucker  • RF  •  Astros

Giants, Phillies Interested In Kyle Tucker

In addition to the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs, the New York Post's Joel Sherman lists the San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies as teams interested in trading for Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker this offseason. The soon-to-be 28-year-old left-handed slugger will be a free agent after the 2025 season and could command a contract worth up to $500 million on the open market, so the Astros are willing to see if they can get something in return before potentially losing him next offseason. Houston is prioritizing major-league-ready corner infielders and starting pitchers if they were to trade Tucker away. Keep in mind the Astros are bracing to also lose free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. After the signing of lefty Max Fried, the Yankees could be more motivated to trade starters Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes or even Luis Gil.
6 days ago   
Kyle Tucker  • RF  •  Astros  |  Isaac Paredes  • 3B  •  Cubs

Astros Targeting Seiya Suzuki, Isaac Paredes In Potential Kyle Tucker Trade

The Houston Astros are targeting Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki and infielder Isaac Paredes in a possible trade for outfielder Kyle Tucker, according to sources briefed on the team's talks. The two teams have exchanged a variety of names in discussions, and any package for Tucker would also likely included prospects. Houston is also interested in third baseman Cam Smith, who was a first-rounder earlier this year. A source says the Cubs are highly unlikely to trade Suzuki and would prefer to unload Cody Bellinger's contract this offseason in a separate trade. Tucker is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season, so the Astros could be wanting to get something in return if they feel they won't be able to re-sign him. After Juan Soto's huge deal, Tucker, one of the best hitters in baseball, could command a deal of at least $400 to $500 million. The Yankees are another team pursuing a trade for Tucker.
6 days ago   
Kyle Tucker  • RF  •  Astros

Cubs, Yankees Showing Interest In Kyle Tucker

According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees are two teams that have shown interest in trading for Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker, but the Astros are comfortable with keeping him in Houston for his walk year like they did with third baseman Alex Bregman in 2024. Even though Tucker missed a large chuck of this past season due to injury, he remains one of the best overall players in baseball, so any team looking to acquire him in a trade is going to have to give up a lot. The fact that the Astros are even listening to trade offers on Tucker means they are likely nervous that they won't be able to re-sign him next offseason. The 27-year-old will be a nice consolation for contending teams that lost out on Juan Soto, as Tucker, a former fifth overall pick in 2015, has a career .274/.353/.516 slash line with an .870 OPS and has averaged 28 homers in the last four years.
7 days ago   
Yordan Alvarez  • LF  •  Astros

Astros Want To "Cut Back" On Yordan Alvarez's Time In The Outfield

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said he would like to "cut back" on outfielder Yordan Alvarez's playing time in left field next year. Espada also praised Zach Dezenzo's development in left field during winter ball in Puerto Rico, so perhaps Dezenzo will be awarded some playing time at the position next year when the Astros elect to use Alvarez as the designated hitter. The 27-year-old Alvarez played 53 games in left field in 2024 and served as the DH 94 times in 147 regular-season games for the 'Stros. A right-knee sprain kept Alvarez sidelined towards the end of September. Position aside, Alvarez is an everyday hitter with elite batted-ball metrics and a low strikeout rate, which is a testament to just how good of an all-around hitter he is. He played in a career-high 147 games last year and cleared the 30-homer mark for the fourth straight year. Injuries are always an issue, but few boast the kind of dominant hitting consistency that Alvarez has shown in recent seasons.
Dec 10   
Kyle Tucker  • RF  •  Astros

Kyle Tucker Drawing Trade Interest

The Houston Astros are receiving trade inquiries on outfielder Kyle Tucker this offseason, according to multiple people familiar with the talks. It could cause a bidding war for one of the best overall players in the game. Sources think that general manager Dana Brown is open to trading one of Tucker or left-hander Framber Valdez, both of whom are set to make more than $15 million during their final year of arbitration eligibility. Houston is already shopping reliever Ryan Pressly as they look for ways to clear payroll. No trade discussions are currently serious for Tucker. A trade of Tucker or Valdez would bring the kind of prospect talent that would help the Astros replenish their floundering farm system. Although Tucker missed considerable time in 2024 with a shin injury, he'll still be a highly coveted fantasy bat next year. The three-time All-Star has 20.9 wins above replacement since becoming a regular in 2020, which is fourth-best among MLB outfielders.
Dec 10   
Zach Dezenzo  • 3B  •  Astros

Zach Dezenzo Standing Out In Winter Ball

Houston Astros corner infield prospect Zach Dezenzo missed time in the beginning of the 2024 season due to a wrist injury but got back on the field in June, playing 22 games at Double-A and only 11 more at Triple-A before earning a promotion to the big leagues in August. The 24-year-old played in 19 games for the Astros, slashing .242/.277/.371 with a pair of home runs in 65 plate appearances. With the Astros having some holes to fill at both first base and third base in 2025, Dezenzo is getting extra reps in the Puerto Rican Winter League to get ready for next spring and is showing well so far. Through 14 games and 61 plate appearances, the former 12th-round draft pick is leading the circuit in batting average, which stands at .380. He hasn't yet hit a home run, but the right-handed hitter has collected three doubles and has walked more than he's struck out (8:7 BB:K). The youngster has some pop in his bat along with some speed, hitting 18 home runs and stealing 22 bags across two levels of the minors in 2023 (410 PA), so if Dezenzo can earn a roster spot come spring, he could be an intriguing fantasy option in 2025.
Dec 5   
Jacob Melton  • CF  •  Astros

Jacob Melton Should Make His MLB Debut In 2025

Houston Astros outfield prospect Jacob Melton is expected to make his major-league debut in 2025, but that won't guarantee him everyday playing time. As a result, the Astros tendered contracts to both Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers for the 2025 campaign. Houston would like to add a left-handed bat that could help McCormick and Meyers as options in center field, but the team remains bullish on both players despite their offensive struggles in 2024. Melton, the team's top prospect per MLB Pipeline, has the most upside after slashing .253/.310/.426 with 15 home runs and 30 steals split between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Sugar Land this year. He spent time at all three outfield spots but played mostly center field. The left-handed hitter's power/speed profile stands out, and the Astros could need his bat if both McCormick and Meyers struggle to hit in 2025.
Dec 3   
Steven Okert  • RP  •  Astros

Astros Add Steven Okert On Minor-League Deal

The Houston Astros have signed free-agent left-hander Steven Okert to a minor-league deal. Okert wasn't very good in 2024 with the Minnesota Twins, but he'll get another opportunity in spring training in 2025 with the Astros. In his 44 appearances (one start) over 35 1/3 innings with the Twins this past season, Okert posted a bloated 5.09 ERA (5.12 FIP), a career-worst 1.50 WHIP, 33 strikeouts and 16 walks while going 3-2. The 33-year-old southpaw will most likely open the campaign at Triple-A Sugar Land but should eventually see some time in the big leagues in Houston. He was originally drafted in the fourth round in 2012 out of Oklahoma by the San Francisco Giants. Okert has a career 4.34 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with only one save, which came last year with the Twins. He's not at all on the fantasy radar heading into 2025.
Nov 13   
Ryan Pressly  • RP  •  Astros

Astros Having Discussions About Trading Ryan Pressly

The Houston Astros have had internal discussions related to potentially trading reliever Ryan Pressly. The 35-year-old was moved to a setup role in 2024 once the Astros acquired closer Josh Hader. Pressly had saved 90 games for Houston from 2021-23, posting a 2.94 ERA. 0.98 WHIP, and 25.4% K-BB%. In the setup role in 2024, however, the righty posted a 3.49 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 16.4% K-BB%. With Hader and other capable arms at the back end of the bullpen, the team could let Pressly go and get prospects in return, although with the veteran's full no-trade clause, the pitcher would have to be on board with any proposed destination. It's worth monitoring for fantasy in the event he lands in a good spot with the opportunity to close.
Nov 7   
Mauricio Dubón  • LF  •  Astros

Mauricio Dubon To Have Thumb Surgery

Houston Astros utility man Mauricio Dubon (thumb) played the final month of the 2024 season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb, according to a person with knowledge of the injury. Dubon will need surgery to fix the ligament damage, which will be performed by renowned hand surgeon Dr. Thomas Graham. The typical recovery time for the injury is six to eight weeks, meaning Dubon should be at full strength for the start of spring training next February. He initially injured his thumb sliding into first base on Sept. 6 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, although X-rays showed no damage at the time. Dubon played well despite the injury in 18 games, hitting .291/.322/.346 over 59 plate appearances. MLBTradeRumors projects Dubon to earn $4.6 million this winter in his third time through the salary arbitration process. The 30-year-old hit .269/.296/.361 with four homers and three steals in 137 games in 2024.
Oct 9   
Cristian Javier  • SP  •  Astros  |  José Urquidy  • SP  •  Astros

Cristian Javier, Jose Urquidy Expected To Be Ready Next July

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said on Thursday that right-handers Cristian Javier (elbow) and Jose Urquidy (elbow) are both projected to return at the end of July in 2025, "hopefully earlier." Javier and Urquidy both had Tommy John surgery in June of this year, so they will most likely miss all of the first half of next season as they recover. Javier is the more attractive fantasy option, but neither pitcher is going to be able to make any kind of impact until after the All-Star break, and even then, they'll both be risky coming of TJ surgery. The 27-year-old Javier only made seven starts for Houston in 2024, going 3-1 with a 3.89 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 27 K's and 19 walks in 34 2/3 innings. Urquidy was unable to pitch at all in the big leagues in 2024, and he only appeared in 16 (10 starts) games in 2023 due to injuries as well.
Oct 3   
Justin Verlander  • SP  •  Astros

Justin Verlander Plans To Pitch In 2025

Houston Astros veteran right-hander Justin Verlander said he plans to continue his career and pitch in 2025. Verlander, who dealt with injuries in 2024 and pitched in only 17 games, wasn't even included on the team's playoff roster for the Wild-Card Series versus the Detroit Tigers, which the Astros lost in two games to get eliminated. In his 17 starts during the regular season, the three-time Cy Young winner had a bloated 5.48 ERA (4.78 FIP) and a 1.38 WHIP with 74 strikeouts and 27 walks in 90 1/3 innings pitched. His strikeout rate dropped to 18.7%, the first time it has been under 20% since 2014. The future Hall of Famer began the year on the injured list due to a right-shoulder injury and was later sidelined due to a neck injury. Verlander could bounce back with better health in 2025, but he'll also turn 42 before the season, and Father Time isn't on his side. Obviously, Verlander is no longer the fantasy ace he was for so many years.
Oct 3   
Yusei Kikuchi  • SP  •  Astros

Yusei Kikuchi An Option To Start Game 3

Houston Astros left-hander Yusei Kikuchi said he was told "a few days ago" that he may be used in Game 2 of the wild-card series on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers at Minute Maid Park in a relief role. Kikuchi will be available out of the bullpen on Wednesday, but he would start a deciding Game 3 on Thursday if it happens and he's not used in relief on Wednesday. The Astros aren't going to hold anything back on Wednesday to try and avoid elimination after losing Game 1 on Tuesday, so it's not a guarantee that the 33-year-old southpaw starts on Thursday. The Astros would be wise to use Kikuchi on Wednesday if the game is close, as he was great in 10 starts after joining Houston in a trade from Toronto, going 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP, 76 strikeouts and only 14 walks in 60 innings pitched down the stretch.
Oct 2   
Jon Singleton  • 1B  •  Astros  |  Jake Meyers  • CF  •  Astros

Jon Singleton, Jake Meyers Out For Game 2

Houston Astros first baseman Jon Singleton and outfielder Jake Meyers are on the bench for Game 2 of the wild-card series on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers at Minute Maid Park. Victor Caratini is making the start at first base and will bat sixth, while Chas McCormick is starting in center field and in the nine-hole in a must-win game against Tigers left-handed opener Tyler Holton. Both Singleton and Meyers could enter Wednesday's contest later on once the lefty is out of the game. Neither Caratini nor McCormick bring a ton of DFS appeal to the table on Wednesday. Caratini hit .269 (66-for-245) on the year with eight home runs and 30 RBI, while McCormick had the worst season of his four-year career with a .211/.271/.306 slash line and five home runs in 94 games. McCormick was just activated from the injured list after fracturing his right hand in mid-September.
Oct 2   
Hunter Brown  • SP  •  Astros

Hunter Brown Starting Game 2 On Wednesday

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown will be called upon to keep the team's playoff hopes alive in Wednesday's wild-card Game 2 against the Tigers. The 26-year-old enjoyed a strong second half of the regular season, bringing his totals to 11-9 with a 3.49 ERA, a 1.27 WHIP, and a 25.1% strikeout rate in 31 appearances (30 starts) and 170 innings pitched. He owns a 1.69 post-season ERA in 10 2/3 IP, but this will be his first post-season start. Brown had two successful starts against the Tigers in the regular season, allowing just one run in 12 IP with 16 strikeouts.
Oct 2   
Chas McCormick  • LF  •  Astros

Chas McCormick Rejoins Astros For Postseason

Houston Astros outfielder Chas McCormick (hand) was activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday and has been added to the team's roster for the wild-card series this week at Minute Maid Park against the Detroit Tigers. McCormick is not in the starting lineup for Game 1 on Tuesday, but he is back with the team to provide outfield depth after suffering a fractured right hand in the middle of September. The 29-year-old will most likely see at-bats versus left-handed pitching, although he's not starting against lefty Tarik Skubal, who won the American League pitching Triple Crown this year. McCormick had his best year in the big leagues last year but failed to replicate that success in 2024, as he finished the regular season hitting .211 (51-for-242) with a career-low five home runs, 27 RBI and eight stolen bases in a career-low 94 games. In just seven September games, he went 9-for-23 (.391) with a double and three RBI for the 'Stros.
Oct 1   
Justin Verlander  • SP  •  Astros

Justin Verlander Not On Wild-Card Series Roster

The Houston Astros have left right-hander Justin Verlander off the roster for the wild-card series this week at Minute Maid Park against the Detroit Tigers. It's crazy to think that a three-time Cy Young winner won't be on the Astros' playoff roster, but considering what the 41-year-old has done this year, it doesn't come as that big of a surprise. Verlander battled injuries in his 19th MLB season and was only able to make 17 starts (90 1/3 innings), going 5-6 with a 5.48 ERA (4.78 FIP), a 1.38 WHIP, 74 strikeouts and 27 walks. The nine-time All-Star was not good in the second half of the season in his seven starts, allowing 30 earned runs on 46 hits (four home runs) while walking 10 and striking out 23 in 33 1/3 innings of work. Houston is rolling with left-hander Framber Valdez in Game 1 and will likely use Ronel Blanco and Yusei Kikuchi the rest of the series. If Houston advances to the ALDS to face Cleveland, Verlander could be added to the playoff roster.
Oct 1   
LEGEND
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