Astros Face Pivotal Decisions as MLB Offseason Heats Up

The final out of the 2025 Major League Baseball season has been recorded, and as the sport transitions into its offseason, teams are already preparing for a flurry of moves. Free agency opens Thursday at 5 p.m. ET, officially kicking off what’s expected to be one of the most active winters in recent memory.

For the Houston Astros, it’s a pivotal offseason. They’re entering with questions about their starting rotation depth and the balance of their infield. Analysts at MLB Trade Rumors noted that while Houston’s bullpen remains steady, the team could look to move a bat like Christian Walker or Isaac Paredes to free up space and flexibility for pitching reinforcements.

Two major stars, Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman, added to the intrigue Monday by opting out of their contracts. Alonso declined the final year of his two-year, $54 million deal with the Mets, while Bregman chose to leave the final two years and $80 million of his contract with the Red Sox to test free agency. Bregman’s decision could have ripple effects for Houston, the club where he became a two-time All-Star and World Series champion. His availability may influence how teams — including the Astros — value third-base talent this winter.

Houston’s focus likely centers on adding a frontline starter, navigating its infield logjam and managing payroll flexibility amid a competitive American League West. As AP News pointed out after the Dodgers’ $500 million title repeat, the league is entering an era of high-spending contenders and tighter margins, leaving mid-market teams like the Astros needing to balance aggression with prudence.

The MLB offseason has officially begun, and with Alonso and Bregman on the open market, the hot-stove season is heating up quickly. Whether Houston makes a blockbuster move or opts for strategic reshuffling, the next few weeks will define how the perennial contenders position themselves for 2026.