ESPN Ranks Astros No. 24 in Way-Too-Early 2027 Power Rankings

ESPN's David Schoenfield put the Astros at No. 24 in way-too-early 2027 power rankings after an 81-81 season, calling the club "running on fumes." Top five: Brewers, Dodgers, Yankees, Rays, Red Sox.

Matt Kleine Is Astros' Choice for GM, Per Report

Chandler Rome of The Athletic: Brewers AGM Matt Kleine is the Astros' GM choice and the focus of the search; no deal finalized. Brewers' season ended with a World Series win Wednesday.

Astros Lose Coach Jason Bell to Red Sox, Per Report

Tim Healey of the Boston Globe reports the Red Sox are hiring Jason Bell as outfield instructor. Rome said the exact title is still being finalized; McTaggart first reported the move.

Astros Rumor Roundup: Nationals Writer Sizes Up Mike Rizzo in Houston, Pirates Confirm Sean Buchanan Hire

A Federal Baseball writer says a veteran, well-funded Astros team could suit Mike Rizzo better than the young Nationals did, if he adapts. Plus Pittsburgh's confirmation of the Sean Buchanan hire and a Seattle take on Houston's GM search.

Yordan Álvarez Wins Players Choice AL Comeback Player and Outstanding Player Awards

The MLBPA voted Yordan Álvarez the 2026 Players Choice AL Comeback Player and AL Outstanding Player. He played 158 games after 48 last year and hit 42 homers, tied for fifth in Astros history.

Astros Interview Oz Ocampo for Front Office Executive Role, Per Report

MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports Oz Ocampo interviewed Monday with Jim Crane for Astros assistant GM. Francys Romero first reported a front-office executive interview. Ocampo worked in Houston 2012-20 and 2022.

Astros Lose Triple-A Pitching Coach Sean Buchanan to Pirates, Per Report

The Astros are losing Triple-A pitching coach Sean Buchanan to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported Tuesday. His exact role is still being determined; he will reunite with Bill Murphy.

Astros Release OF Nelson Velázquez to Pursue Opportunity in Asia

The Astros released outfielder Nelson Velázquez so he can pursue an opportunity with a club in Asia, Chandler Rome and Brian McTaggart reported Tuesday.

Mike Rizzo Gets Formal Interview With Jim Crane for Astros GM Job, Per Report

Former Nationals GM Mike Rizzo was still in Houston on Tuesday for a formal interview with Astros owner Jim Crane, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported, and MLB.com's Brian McTaggart confirmed Rizzo is interviewing for the GM job.

Astros Rumor Roundup: Twins Circle Back on Bryan Abreu, Nationals Side Weighs In on Mike Rizzo

Minnesota's beat writers say the Twins, who nearly traded for Bryan Abreu at the deadline, could chase him in free agency. Plus a Nationals podcast on Mike Rizzo's Astros GM interview, Joe Espada's in-person Seattle interview, and the Brewers' Game 3 rout.

Joe Espada Is a Finalist for the Mariners' Manager Job, Per Report

Former Astros manager Joe Espada is a finalist for the Mariners' manager job, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. With Rocco Baldelli out, Cubs exec Jason Kanzler is the only other publicly known candidate.

Astros' Joey Loperfido has right hip surgery, spring training availability delayed

Joey Loperfido had arthroscopic surgery on his right hip to address a labral injury and impingement found after the season. The Astros say his availability for spring training will be delayed; no timeline was given.