HOUSTON – The 2025 offseason was one of the biggest shakeups for the Houston Astros in recent memory. Gone are franchise cornerstones Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker and Justin Verlander, and a number of new players enter the fold, hoping to continue the Astros 8-year playoff run.
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1B CHRISTIAN WALKER
Probably the biggest new name is the Astros first baseman, Christian Walker. Walker signed a 3-year, $60 million deal this offseason after breaking through with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2019. Walker first made the big leagues in 2014 with the Baltimore Orioles after they drafted him in the 4th round of the 2012 Draft out of South Carolina. Walker is an underdog success story, as he bounced around teams via waiver claims before settling in with Arizona. For the D-Backs, Walker hit 146 home runs with an OPS+ of 114, winning the past three National League Gold Gloves at first base. Walker will play for the Astros for his age 34, 35 and 36 seasons and will bring stability to a position that has struggled since the departure of Yuli Gurriel.
3B/IF ISAAC PAREDES
The main immediate piece of the Kyle Tucker trade, Isaac Paredes will likely take over for Alex Bregman at third base, while his positional versatility could potentially give him reps at 2nd base with Jose Altuve’s move to left. Paredes just turned 26 and has three years of control (including 2025). Paredes is a dead pull hitter, hitting 40% of his balls pull-side vs. the league average of 29.6%. All of his 72 career home runs have been pulled.
SP HAYDEN WESNESKI
Hayden Wesneski has the inside track at the #5 starter job while the Astros wait for Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. to return from injury. Wesneski split between starting and relieving for the Chicago Cubs, and found mixed success in both. Wesneski was impressive in an early showing at the end of of 2022, struggled for much of 2023 after claiming the last rotation role for the Cubs, then was much better in 2024 mostly coming out of the bullpen. The former Cy Fair star and childhood Astros fan has a nasty sweeper, and should get tweaked by Houston’s famously effective pitching staff.
RP MIGUEL CASTRO
The veteran reliever signed a minor league deal with Houston that will get him $1.5 million in 2025 if he makes the roster. Castro struggled with injuries in 2024 for the Diamondbacks, but has 420 career MLB appearances dating back to 2015. At his best, he throws a 98 MPH power sinker with a filthy slider. At his worst, he struggles with command. For the low price, if the Astros can get even a league average reliever, that’s a win.
2B BRENDAN RODGERS
Once the #3 overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft (one spot behind Bregman, two spots ahead of Tucker), Rodgers was a longtime top prospect and starter for the Colorado Rockies. Other than an injury in 2023, Rodgers has held down an infield spot for Colorado since 2021. His best season came in 2022, winning a Gold Glove at second base. The Rockies non-tendered Rodgers to avoid paying him a salary that would have likely crossed $5 million. The Astros swooped in and got Rodgers on a minor league deal, and he’ll compete to start at second base.
IF LUIS GUILLORME
The former Mets utility man is best known for catching a bat in spring training after it slipped out of a batter’s hand. Though the numbers may not look sexy, Guillorme has largely been an effective backup. Guillorme has played in at least 50 MLB games at shortstop, second base and third base and is considered a plus defender. He may be a long shot to make the roster, but he may end up a passable bench player for Houston.
THE PROSPECTS TO WATCH
3B CAM SMITH
The Astros top prospect came over in the Kyle Tucker trade from the Cubs. Smith was the Cubs’ 1st round pick in 2024, and immediately crushed pro pitching straight out of Florida State University. He’s been widely praised by Cubs officials for his makeup, hard work, and personality. While it’s unlikely Smith can make the Astros opening day roster, all he’s done in spring training is mash.
RP LOGAN VAN WEY
While Van Wey isn’t necessarily ranked high as a prospect, he’s here because he may be among the most ready to contribute to the Astros in 2025 (think Bryan King in 2024). Van Wey is a reliever with an interesting arm slot and was effective in 72.2 innings for Triple-A Sugar Land in 2024. Van Wey struck out 98 and had a 3.22 ERA in the notoriously hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.
