Houston Astros: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Astros carry high expectations into opener vs. Angels

The Houston Astros missed the playoffs last season for the first time in nine years, something with which the Los Angeles Angels have become familiar over the past 11 seasons.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Astros Announce Opening Day Roster

Today, the Houston Astros finalized their 26-man Opening Day Roster. The roster includes 13 pitchers and 13 position players. To finalize the Opening Day roster, the Astros made several roster moves official this morning: RHP Christian Roa and C Christian Vázquez have been added to the 40-man roster.

Houston Astros News / MLB Trade Rumors / March 25

Astros Finalize Opening Day Roster

The Astros finalized their Opening Day roster, most announcing that shortstop Jeremy Pena will avoid a season-opening trip to the injured list. Catcher César Salazar was designated for assignment, clearing a 40-man roster spot for Christian Vázquez, whose contract has been selected from Triple-A Sugar Land.

Rafael Devers News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Active MLB 3+ 30-homer seasons' quiz

How many of the active Major League Baseball players to hit 30 home runs in at least three different seasons can you name in five minutes?

The 'MLB 30/30 Club members' quiz

The 'Four-HR MLB games' quiz

The '2026 MLB managers' quiz

Athletics News / Yardbarker

One storyline to follow for every MLB team in 2026

As Spring Training opens for 2026, all 30 teams have high hopes and big questions. These are the storylines to follow for each team heading into Opening Day.

Red Sox to sign former Yankees relief pitcher ahead of Opening Day

MLB announces 80-game suspension for Johan Rojas

Mets star gets help from former teammate after clubhouse issues

Three comeback arms to watch in National League East

Five X factors in the AL Central

Jeremy Pena News / Athlon Sports / March 25

Astros' Jeremy Pena Shares Injury Update Before Opening Day

Houston Astros star Jeremy Pena is battling back from a finger injury. Pena returned to the lineup for an exhibition game on Tuesday. After the contest, Pena revealed there is still one obstacle that could stand in his way ahead of Opening Day.

Houston Astros News / Crawfish Boxes / March 25

A Crucial Year Ahead for These Astros Prospects

As the 2026 season approaches, a handful of Astros prospects find themselves at a crossroads. Some are at a point where they need to produce to take the next step.

Houston Astros News / Crawfish Boxes / March 25

In The Lab: Five Good Astros Questions with Astros Future’s Jimmy Price

The lab is first and foremost a place where we get to learn more about baseball. As much as I would love to pass myself off as an expert in all things, that would be the height of hubris and would deprive all of us the opportunity to avail ourselves of genuine expertise.

Houston Astros News / Crawfish Boxes / March 25

Hope Springs Eternal: Astros Fans Embrace a New Season

Astros fans, the wait is finally over. The long offseason has come to an end, and with it arrives something that never goes out of style, hope. As Opening Day approaches, there’s a noticeable shift in the air.

Jose Altuve News / Crawfish Boxes / March 25

Jose Altuve’s Sweet 16 With the Astros

Sweet 16 is in the air in Houston. It’s with the Houston Cougars at Toyota Center. It’s with Jose Altuve stepping into the batter’s box on Opening Day as he embarks upon his 16th year.

Jeremy Pena News / MLB on ClutchPoints / March 25

Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena reveals Opening Day concern, and it’s not his finger injury

The Houston Astros head into Opening Day 2026 with cautious optimism, as the latest update on Jeremy Pena shifts attention away from his finger injury.

Athletics News / Yardbarker

25 MLB players that could be traded during the 2026 season

The 2026 MLB season is right around the corner, and it is never too early to start thinking about how it might unfold. Seemingly, every year, we have a decent handle on who should contend and who is likely to struggle, which makes looking ahead to the trade deadline inevitable.

Houston Astros News / Athlon Sports / March 24

Astros’ Joe Espada Announces Jeremy Pena Injury News Before Opening Day

The Houston Astros got a boost ahead of Opening Day, with shortstop Jeremy Pena returning to game action after missing time with a right ring finger injury that had put his availability for the start of the season in doubt.

Houston Astros News / Crawfish Boxes / March 24

Astros Leadership Under the Microscope: A Defining Year for Dana Brown and Joe Espada

As the Houston Astros prepare for another season with championship expectations, two of the most important figures in the organization find themselves in uncertain territory.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'Active MLB 3+ 30-homer seasons' quiz

The 'Receiving-record by NFL team' quiz

The 'Most 5-three-pointer NBA games' quiz

The 'NCAA basketball tournament mascots' quiz

Houston Astros News / MLB on ClutchPoints / March 24

What Jeremy Pena’s Opening Day status means for Astros and Brice Matthews

The Houston Astros have plenty riding on the injury status of shortstop Jeremy Pena before Opening Day. Pena fractured his right ring finger early in a WBC exhibition game, which opened the door for an open spot on the Opening Day roster.

Houston Astros News / MLB Trade Rumors / March 24

Astros’ Peter Lambert Granted His Release

Astros righty Peter Lambert was granted his release after triggering an out clause in his minor league deal, manager Joe Espada tells reporters (link via Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle).

Houston Astros News / MLB Trade Rumors / March 24

Astros To Select Christian Vázquez

The Astros are going to open the season with Christian Vázquez as their backup to catcher Yainer Diaz, manager Joe Espada tells Matt Kawahara of The Houston Chronicle.

Houston Astros News / Athlon Sports / March 24

Jeremy Peña Opening Day 2026: Finger Injury Update & Fantasy Baseball Advice

Jeremy Peña has been sidelined for most of spring training after fracturing his right ring finger preparing to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

Houston Astros News / MLB Trade Rumors / March 23

Astros Finalize Season-Opening Rotation

The Astros announced their season-opening rotation on Monday afternoon. Hunter Brown, Mike Burrows, Cristian Javier and Tatsuya Imai will take the ball in that order for their four-game opener against the Angels.

Houston Astros News / Larry Brown Sports / March 23

MLB player was denied a challenge thanks to weird rule

MLB players who want to make use of the new challenge system for balls and strikes are going to have to make up their minds quickly if they want those challenges to be recognized.

Carlos Correa News / MLB on ClutchPoints / March 22

Astros’ Carlos Correa shares frightening story of how he almost drowned

After a terrifying moment from last summer, Houston Astros 3B Carlos Correa recently revealed he nearly lost his life. During a family outing on Lake Minnetonka, Correa found himself stranded in deep water, battling severe cramps while trying to keep both himself and his young son afloat.