Three questions facing the Houston Astros this offseason

The Houston Astros find themselves at a crossroads this offseason.

Although the Astros won the AL West, they finished the season with an 81-81 record. That disappointing performance has led to several changes as general manager Dana Brown was let go on Aug. 24 and manager Joe Espada was not offered a new deal once his contract expired at the end of the season.

At the same time, that performance may not necessarily be the fault of Brown and/or Espada. The Astros battled numerous injuries, particularly on the pitching front, over the course of the season. The fact that they were able to find a way to the postseason was a surprise despite their record.

Three questions facing the Houston Astros

1. Who takes over as the new brain trust?

Before the Astros do anything in the offseason, they need to find a new brain trust. At present, owner Jim Crane is overseeing the baseball operations department, with assistant GMs Charles Cook, Gavin Dickey and Connor Huff, along with senior adviser Jeff Bagwell, splitting duties. 

The Astros have an extensive search for their new GM. Cook and Dickey interviewed for the position and the Astros are known to be interested in Brewers assistant general manager Matt Kleine. Whoever takes over will then need to find a manager for the upcoming season. The search could last well into November.

2. What do the Astros do in the outfield?

The Astros glut of infielders led to the disastrous experiment of putting Jose Altuve in the outfield in 2025. Although they did not make a similar move in 2026, the Astros still have numerous holes in the outfield. Trade acquisition Daulton Varsho struggled after arriving in Houston and is slated for free agency. Taylor Trammell was mediocre at best and is best utilized as a fifth outfielder. Cam Smith showed some potential but needs to take the next step.

The Astros have been creative before in finding ways to improve the roster. They parlayed one year of outfielder Kyle Tucker into Smith, pitcher Hayden Wesneski and infielder Isaac Paredes. Paredes, in particular, has been the subject of trade rumors, although he proved his value when fellow infielder Carlos Correa missed most of the season due to a torn tendon in his left ankle. If the Astros do trade Paredes, or impending free agent shortstop Jeremy Pena, they may be able to get some needed outfield help.

3. What to do with Tatsuya Imai in 2027?

Imai was expected to serve as a solid option in the middle of the Astros rotation after signing a three-year, $54 million contract with an opt-out after each year. While he showed flashes, Imai struggled overall in his first season stateside, posting a 4.93 ERA and a 1.422 WHiP over his 76.2 innings, striking out 97 batters with 51 walks. He ended the season in a seldom-used mop-up role, pitching a total of 10 innings in September.

Chances are, Imai will not exercise his ability to opt out of his contract. A permanent move to the bullpen could prove to be the best option as he posted a 2.00 ERA and a 1.056 WHiP over his 18 innings as a reliever. While his 11 walks were high, he struck out 25 batters as his fastball/slider combo played up in the bullpen. The Astros have holes in the rotation, but if they are going to get value from Imai's contract, it may be as a reliever.