Astros’ spring training 2026: Improvements and diminishing returns

Early next week (Tuesday, Feb. 10 to be exact), the Astros catchers and pitchers will report for Spring Training to the Palm Beaches, their joint home with the Washington Senators.

It will be the first time since 2017 that the team reports to Spring Training after a non-playoff season, as the Astros missed the playoffs by a single game in 2025.

One way to view the team as it heads into ST is to look at what has diminished the team and what has been done to improve it since the end of 2025.

Diminish

The following would be considered items that will or could diminish the product:

  • Framber Valdez headed out the door. Yes, he is still out there and available. No, he is not coming back to the Astros. Overall, his loss will be a negative for the team, though certainly it was much more of a loss before he mucked up his legacy down the stretch of the season.
  • Victor Caratini headed out the door. Without even knowing who his replacement will be, it is a good bet that the Astros backup catcher in 2026 will not match what Caratini brought to the table including that role as the backup catcher, a switch hitter who brought a lefty bat to a righty-centric lineup, a lefty DH when Yordan was MIA and a very productive late inning pinch hitter. That goes along with being a dependable veteran hand behind the plate.
  • Mauricio Dubon was the latest Swiss Army Knife to play for the Astros following in the utility footsteps of Marwin Gonzalez and Aledmys Diaz. Dubon’s bat lacked power and he made up for rarely striking out by rarely walking, but he brought a versatile glove that was often better than the many people he temporarily replaced.
  • Chas McCormick – this may be addition by subtraction. After having been a valuable member of the outfield corps, especially in the 2023 season, Chas fell on hard times in 2024 and 2025 hitting only one homer in 100 ABs last season.
  • Ramon Urias – there were thoughts that the Astros would drop Dubon and pivot to a cheaper option in Urias for 2026, though only on the infield side. They let both go this off-season and may be riding Isaac Paredes as the infield backup at multiple positions.
  • J.P. France – France put up an 11-6 record with a 3.83 ERA in 2023 before needing surgery in early 2024. He came back for two appearances in late 2025 and then was DFA’d in recent days to make room for pitcher Kai Wei Teng on the 40-man roster.
  • Of course, we also had the losses during the season of those headed to surgery – Ronel Blanco, Hayden Wesneski, and Brandon Walter and the injured and cut – Luis Garcia.

Improvement

The following would be considered potential for improvement or actual improvement in the upcoming season.

  • Yordan Alvarez – In his career, Yordan has put up 41 homers and 118 RBIs for every 162 games he has played. So, when he only played in 48 games and had 165 ABs resulting in only 6 homers and 27 RBIs in 2025 – adding him in for (hopefully) a whole season is like adding a premier bat to the 2026 lineup.
  • Tatsuya Imai – After the great success of Yoshinobu Yamamoto with the Dodgers, the Astros are trying to hook the next best Japanese “thing” with Imai. but remember two things. One, Imai may opt out after one season. Two, Yamamoto was solid his first season, but really took off his second season in LA.
  • Mike Burrows – Burrows needs to last longer in games and for more games in season, but could be a solid addition to the rotation based on his 2025 at Pittsburgh.
  • Ryan Weiss – This is more a rolling of the dice than Imai. He was very good not great in the Korean Baseball league and the Korean league is not the level of the Japanese league. On the other hand, he will not have the cultural adjustment that Imai will have coming to America.
  • And of course, if the Astros could get some return to the mean with Christian Walker and Yainer Diaz, that would be a big boost to the team.

Heading into Spring Training, where do you see them diminished, and where do you see improvement?

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41 responses to “Astros’ spring training 2026: Improvements and diminishing returns”

  2. Here’s an off the cuff thought. At this point we have the proverbial log jam on the infield. Correra, Pena, Altuve and Walker are the establishment which leaves Paredes as the relief player as needed. Pretty expensive at 9.35 MM for a “rarely used utility” guy. Here it is. I can see him giving a break to Walker but how about when Altuve needs a breather which he should every 4 – 5 games. My suggestion is Paredes at third, Correra at short and Pena moves to second. I would think Pena would have no problem adapting to second more so than any other. I’d like to see Paredes being used in at least every 5 out of 7 games.

    Thoughts form the blog experts?

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    • Z, I guess you never know until games start getting played, but assuming both Walker and Paredes are around for Opening day, I think Paredes would be the guy shuffled around the infield with a bit of a DH role added too, before we’d see Correa and Pena moving over regularly. Pena is simply going to cover more ground at short and anyone else. That said, I could see Correa at short when Pena needs a day off or if Pena gets injured. Then one problem goes away.

      I’d sure like to fast forward to March 26. We need new things to talk about. Dan, have you pulled all of your hair out yet? Yesterday, the “press” was asking Dana if Framber might be back. Of course Dana responded like he always does. He said a lot without saying anything. We also found out from Dana yesterday that the Astros are looking for a left-handed bat for the outfield! I thought I had heard that in an earlier life.

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    • Hey Zanuda, hope you made it through snowpocalypse last weekend without any trouble. I like your idea on the defense because we saw how valuable he shifts could be in the seasons before Manfred banned them. I think there are games where having Pena’s glove on the right side of the infield would benefit us more than Altuve/Correa’s. The problem is that Pena just changed agents and is likely looking to be the next Kyle Tucker. Will he agree to an experiment that might not improve his value in the eyes of the other clubs.

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  3. Morning Dan, when you’re in touch with 1oldpro, please send our best wishes. I sure hope his situation allows for him to be back in contact with us. I’ve always appreciated the ‘on the farm” stories from Old Pro about family and animals and life in general. Good life.

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  4. Z – Yeah I don’t think they will swing Pena to 2nd base – if he is available, he will be the SS.

    Daveb – It is funny about Dana talking about Framber – basically he just said they are considering every free agent out there and how they would fit, etc. Listening on 610 AM yesterday they ran with that talking about the possibility Framber was coming back and what that would mean. I guess anything is possible, but Framber coming back feels like a 0.0001% chance to me.

    I sent your comment off to Old pro and told him if he was unable to post comments to email them to me and I would post them under my comments – referencing him.

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    • Every day a deal is not done increases the likelihood that Framber will take a pillow offer, like Imai’s, 3 year with opt outs.

      If he does end up doing that, I don’t see why the Astros wouldn’t be in on that. But I’m guessing the conversations between Framber’s reps and the Astros have ceased. Their phone calls right now are probably still to Baltimore and San Fran trying to secure a 5 year bag. If I were Crane I would give the green light to Brown to pursue the pillow deal, like 3/75 with opt outs, because he is that important. But I’m not Crane, and I suspect the chances are in line with your .00001%.

      What’s funny is when Springer was leaving, you heard players say they wanted him back. Same with Correa. Same with Bregman. Even Dubon got some shout outs at fanfest from his now ex-teammates. Not a peep about Framber.

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      • Steven – I think the fans would have been making shout outs for Framber if….

        a) He would not have melted down (his psychological fight with his catcher)

        b) He would have melted down for a game or two, but snapped out of it. The last two months of the year he was 2-7 (team was 2-8 in his last 10 starts) with a 6.05 ERA.

        He was bad, but even worse he lost the fans’ trust down the stretch.

        There are other reasons why the team did not make the playoffs, but Framber pitching well – even if the team did not score for him – and going like 5-4 would have put them in the playoffs.

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      • I get it. He is in his own head. The last two months is unexplainable. He is considered a playoff experienced pitcher by the rest of baseball, but we fans of the Astros know that it’s built on a 2022 postseason run, and the rest of his postseasons he always disappoints. Pressure seems to get him.

        I don’t want to rehash months of reminding everyone what he has been to this franchise though. I know what down the stretch was. But the team was 17-14 in his 31 starts. They were 18-13 in Hunters. It took both of these guys to put them in the spot they were in to even be competitive down the stretch, even if he did blow it. Without him, it’s not there to blow.

        In 2024, they were 19-9 in his starts. In 2023, 17-14. Of course that 22-10 2022 and record consecutive quality starts, it wasn’t 10 years ago.

        I know he is gone. I’ve written extensively in the past that he should be gone. We got his best years so let someone else pay for the mediocre years. David Price was never bad, but Tampa got roughly 20 WAR for 5 1/2 years for something like 24M, and the rest of baseball got roughly 15 WAR for the last 8 years for 150M. But if you can get him back for 1 more year, I don’t think it will be a bad year. If he makes 31 starts, the team goes 18-13 in his starts, he throws 190 innings, he will have done his part because we are not getting that from anyone else.

        But I get that people that saw him mess with Salazar, or that none of his teammates are calling for bringing him back, or his August and September costing us a playoff spot, all that paints a picture that makes most people say its just time to move on. I won’t lose sleep over that. But I think they are better in 2026 with him then they will be without him. I also fully understand he won’t be back.

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      • Framber was quite good (overall) in 2025 but the wins were a luck thing.

        When I look at how many earned runs each gave up in their starts

        7 earned runs

        Framber 2 / Hunter 0

        6 earned runs

        Framber 1/ Hunter 1

        5 earned runs

        Framber 4 / Hunter 1

        4 earned runs

        Framber 3 / Hunter 2

        3 earned runs

        Framber 3 / Hunter 2

        2 earned runs

        Framber 5 / Hunter 7

        1 earned run

        Framber 7 / Hunter 9

        0 earned run

        Framber 6 / Hunter 8

        Again, Framber was good – Hunter was great (and not supported)

        Hunter only gave up more than 3 earned runs 4 times

        Hunter gave up 2 or less runs 24 times. His 12 wins was a joke.

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      • I’m one of those not a peep guys. And I’ve added plenty of Framber commentary over the past couple of years, so you guys already know my own logic.

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      • Games are funny creatures sometimes. The Georgia Bulldogs had a rock fight with the Auburn Tigers that they won by finally scoring some points in the 4th quarter to win 20-10. The next week they had a fireworks show with Ole Miss.

        Sometimes, you adapt to what is happening in that game. When you get in a rock fight with the opposing pitcher, it comes down to who comes up to the challenge. You might win 2-1. You might lose 2-1. Sometimes the pressure comes off and you “give in” by throwing strikes to move through innings because your offense came to play. Sometimes he gave up 2 runs but left after 5 and third, and let someone else decide it for him.

        There are a million scenarios that can lead you into giving up 2 runs in rock fight or a million scenarios where you can give up 3 or 4 and still win.

        Hunter was better than Framber last year. That was the pitcher I was watching, no doubt. But Hunter still needs help. I’m not sure this team has ever won with just Batman. There has almost always been a Robin.

        But Framber has a track record. I won’t ignore it. But again, it doesn’t matter what I think. It matters what Jim thinks. We would agree that 5 or 6 years should be someone elses problem. But if I can get him back for a year, I’m doing. I doubt Crane is.

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      • I’ll just say this (and yes Hunter must have another pitcher at least be very good to support him) …

        Hunter only won 5 of the 8 games when he gave up 0 runs and only 3(!!!!) when he gave up 1 run.

        Sometimes you have to tough it out – but c’mon – they owe him a lot of support.

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    • We tend to pick at guys like Yanier because we have high expectations of him and we are watching him everyday. He remains a valuable guy on our roster and hopefully, he’ll have a better year offensively in 2026. He also won’t have as big an issue with his framing, if he can tell a ball from a strike.

      In other news, McTaggart notes that Dana mentioned Altuve playing a bit of left again and Paredes playing some second. As we get closer to playing baseball I suppose the odds of moving Walker or Isaac are going down. We might not have the same line up twice all season.

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  6. The Astros are worse behind the plate. They are about the same in the OF, which is bad. Yordan opens up with questions about his ability to stay on the field, or really just the batters box. The infield is worse – Nick Allen will assuredly make this roster because there really isn’t anyone else in the organization at any level that can take SS over for 3 weeks because of a Pena sprained thumb or whatever weird injury happens, unless you just force Carlos to do it. I don’t know where he is on that, Joe is on that, or Dana is on that.

    The bullpen, at this time last year it seemed like it would be fairly stable but then Scott got blown up, Dubin got blown up, and we were back to waiver wire chasing. Okert is the best bet only because he has multiple seasons of succeeding in the role he is in, King and Sousa have to be thought of with a little skepticism given our track record of relievers giving up career years and then disappearing. The right side of the bullpen is a whose who of castoffs.

    The rotation is deeper but certainly not as good at the top without Framber. Say what you will about Framber, but it’s going to be tough to replace a guy where the team won nearly 65% of this starts over his time here. Basically, if you had 5 Frambers, you are winning 100 games every year. Going to be tough to find that.

    The glass half empty guy is truly concerned that this team will fall to the 82-85 win range. It just seems its Hunter and a bunch of guys that are going to pitch .500, some a little better, some a little worse. In Hunter’s 31 starts the team was 18-13. I would expect maybe a game up or down from that, so he can’t get them there by himself, especially if we stick someone in the rotation that just undoes the 4-6 game swing Hunter gains us.

    The glass half full guy – Dana is just going to throw a bunch of potential at it and see if a few of them work out. I can see a world where Imai backs up Hunter with +3-4 in 30 games, Burrows does well and is a +.500 guy, even Weiss could be a guy that can be a +.500 guy when all is said and done. Javier could finally let potential meet performance and become a solid 2 starter and give you a +3. Unlike last year, there is no lack of depth down at the 6, 7, 8 spots, pitchers that will assuredly need to give us a few good starts each this year. I’m not giving up on Spencer Arrighetti either, he might open in the rotation, and has the arm talent and pitch repertoire to be a good pitcher, just needs to find the command and consistency.

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  7. 40 year old Carlos Santana just signed with the diamondbacks to play first base. Why even think about paying Walker any fraction of 20 million?

    On the flip side, Maybe Santana blows out a knee on March and Walker comes to the rescue.

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  8. Couple of thoughts.

    First, on Framber. It would probably take Framber crawling for a deal with Houston. He didn’t finish well; there are rumors about clubhouse issues (remember Cesar Salazar?). But here’s something to consider: when he signs with Baltimore or Toronto, Houston gets a compensatory pick after the fourth round (likely). It would have been higher, but the Astros went over the luxury tax (if I understand the process correctly).

    Second, it sounds like Dana Brown is hedging his bets on Paredes. He uses “right now” language again and again when talking about his crowded infield. And, the Astros are still looking for another lefty bat. Hmmm. Sounds like we should expect a trade sooner rather than later. And it probably won’t be Walker, and it ain’t going to be Correa.

    Can Paredes play CF? (that’s a joke friends). Then again, Cam Smith picked up RF.

    So my predictions: Framber signs in Toronto or Baltimore (or Detroit), not Houston. Paredes is playing in another uniform on opening day.

    BUT…here’s a flip-side thought: Wouldn’t Brown look like a genius if he hangs onto Paredes and one of Correa/Altuve/Walker gets hurt or does not perform well!?

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  9. Chip – I think they have a great cover if any of the infielders get hurt. Even if it is Pena – Correa would move over and Paredes would fill in behind Correa. I just wish that Paredes was going to have the most ABs in the infield rather than the least.

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    • Dan, if Paredes spends a full year in Houston in ’26 — and isn’t hurt himself — I’m guessing he’ll play in 140ish games and get 500+ ABs. Somebody will get hurt, or need time off, or go through a downturn/slump.

      If you split his time giving days off to Correa/Altuve/Walker/Alvarez, he’ll get his days/ABs. It’ll be interesting to see how Espada keeps everyone happy.

      But I agree…Paredes needs his ABs. He should be part of the future core with Pena, Cam, and Hunter.

      And remember, Brice Matthews is now blocked at AAA with the aging infield logam. Whether or not you think highly of him, we may not know for a while.

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  10. I do agree it would be difficult for Yordan and Yainer to not perform better in 2026. They’re too good to not hit better without injuries coming into play.

    Who is playing our outfield? I suspect we get less from Jake and get to pay him more money for the opportunity, but clearly Brown couldn’t find a trade he liked (if one existed). I’m bullish on Cam. He just wore down and teams had a lot of tape on him. If he does not improve at the plate I’m ready to cut bait with our entire staff of hitting coaches. He’s too good of an athlete to hit like Jose Siri or Mauricio Dubon. Can a Zach earn the LF spot in spring training? I’m concerned about both being 35% K-rate guys, but either could provide a boost in the lineup.

    I think the rotation is diminished. Framber deserves praise for all the good he brought. As Steven expertly pointed out, however, it would be great for another team to reward him handsomely and not have his later years bring the payroll down.

    Is Walker cooked? I hate to think what diminished value from him looks like. Oh, wait, as Astros fans we should be experts on that after all our years of Big Jon, Yuli, Brett Wallace, and Jose Abreu. Hopefully his performance made him angry and he comes out ready to play this year. I am concerned based on how he started the year after the spring training injury last year that being too in shape could work against him though.

    I am afraid to talk about the bullpen.

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    • Congratulations Chip, you had the Tigers on your short list. It makes sense for them, especially if Skubal gets 19 instead of 32. Should be a good environment for Framber, a bit away from big city lights, at least when he’s home in Motor City. He’ll freeze in April though. What else might the Tigers do? This is their year.

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  14. A couple thoughts on the Framber signing:

    • The length of it makes sense at his age
    • I know it’s the way of the world now – but signing almost a $40 million/yr contract and then getting an opt out after the second season (in case its not enough) – just wow
    • It is dependent on him passing a physical. If I were the Tigers I would have him pass a psychological
    • The article acts that this protects the Tigers in case Skubel wins arbitration and gets the 32 instead of the 19 million and they need to send him packing. Uh-no
    • These “leavings” are kind of like when a person is dying over an extended period. By the time the player signs elsewhere I have long mourned the loss – I pretty much let go when they hit the free agent market right after the WS.
    • Even with the poor end to 2025, I will miss him. He might be the most effective left handed starter the Astros have ever had.

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    • Dan, imagine Skubal getting 32 and then the Tigers trading him, leaving Framber to be the ace? I think everyone would be pissed off.

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    • Well, on your last point, I might suggest Mike Hampton, Josh Hader or even Randy Johnson. I think they did a lot for us too. And (cross fingers) Hader will cement us many wins these next three years including 4 saves in the 2026 WS.

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      • Sinon –

        Hampton (76-50 / 3.59 ERA) vs. Framber (81-52 / 3.36 ERA) – same neighborhood with the Astros – so good comp.

        Hader not a starter so …

        Johnson the best lefty starter ever, but only that partial season – good choice

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  16. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/02/red-sox-close-to-deal-with-isiah-kiner-falefa.html

    Looks like Isaac is an Astro for the foreseeable future. I would celebrate, but they need to find a spot on the field.

    Any injury to Yordan, Correa, Walker or Altuve finds him a home to everyday at bats. Given the age and/or injury history, I would agree with Chip, by the end of the year, if Isaac himself is healthy, he will end up with 135-140 games.

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  18. I’m glad Jose Urquidy got a job with the Pirates. 1.5 million. I still think he would have been less of a long shot than a couple of guys on the Astro 40 man.

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  20. If a guy hits .191 BA/ .266 OBP/ .544 OPS in only 43 games and disappears to injury after June 14th – did you really lose him?

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