Houston general manager Dana Brown spoke to reporters (including Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle, The Athletic’s Chandler Rome, and Daniel Kramer of MLB.com) on Friday about several issues related to the Astros’ offseason, and naturally there was a lot of talk about the big three teams, a six-player trade between the Astros, the Pirates. The end of the Astros deal saw a first-year outfielder Jacob Melton and minor league is fine Anderson Brito targeted at Tampa Bay, while Houston’s rotation was bolstered by the addition of a right-hander Mike Burrows.
Acquiring a controllable and talented young arm like Burrows is a great opportunity for the Astros, even at the huge expense of two notable kids from Houston’s farm system. As Brown says, “It is not easy to part ways with the successful pieces that you have high potential. But if there are a lot of teams that need starters, that’s where the market is. Most teams need starters, so you don’t want to miss out. So you have to create and draw from your depths and maybe fill that space.”
Burrows may be the beginning of Houston’s career in this case, as Brown told his club “you will definitely pursue more pursuits.” This follow-up included at least some discussion with it Framber Valdez about a possible reunion, but Brown naturally didn’t divulge details other than he had “some back and forth” and the Valdez camp.
This is the first indication of any talks between Valdez and the Astros since Brown closed the season at the end of September, when he said the two sides would continue to communicate. While Brown’s latest comments don’t provide any new information on the matter, it’s somewhat notable that Valdez may still remain on Houston’s radar even in a small way, as it’s widely assumed he’ll sign elsewhere.
The Astros are known to want to avoid paying the luxury tax for a third straight season, and Valdez is likely to make a more expensive deal for the likes of Houston. The MLBTR offered Valdez a five-year, $150MM contract, and teams like the Orioles, Mets, and Giants were linked to the two-time All-Star. That interest has yet to lead to a deal, however, and some hurdles remain for Valdez and any potential suitors — the Giants and Mets are reportedly not interested in long-term contracts for the pitchers, and the O’s have already made a major free-agent strike with the signing. Pete Alonso.
As long as Valdez is not signed, there is still a chance that a deal can be worked out between the two sides. It wouldn’t cost Brown anything to go in with Valdez just for the sake of due diligence, should something similar be found or if Valdez’s price drops. That being said, the most likely scenario is that Valdez will be on another team’s roster in 2026, and the Astros will look to add depth through low-cost signings, and/or trades.
Brown said he’s open to all trade possibilities, though he also suggested the Astros weren’t in a rush to trade their crowded center, or a known trade target. Jake Meyers. Speaking of Meyers in particular, Brown said “It’s a really good thing, we might consider it. But right now, Meyers is going to be our guy at center and it looks like he’s the best guy as of today..”
The fact that the Astros moved Melton is noteworthy, as he was thought to be the middle-of-the-pack heir apparent if Meyers were dealt. Brown said Houston was finally comfortable working with Melton because of Meyers’ presence Zach Cole like center field options, plus Lucas Spence again Joseph Sullivan advanced through the minor league pipeline. Beyond Meyers, Cole is the only member of that team with MLB experience, and Cole’s resume includes 15 games with the Astros through 2025.
Beyond the rotation, Brown said the Astros are also looking to add a reliever and a backup catcher. Victor Caratini remains available in free agency, though the expectation is that Caratini will be able to find a regular catcher job with another team rather than rejoining the Astros to share time. Yainer Diaz behind the plate.
