Just for the fun of it… Today we will take a look at who is currently on the Astros 40-man roster. Note that when the World Series is complete, things change, and so we will talk about the players’ status at that point and what future (if any) we think they will have with the Astros in 2027.
Note – no one knows, other than Nostradamus, when the 2027 season will begin, and I suspect old Nostra will be making some guesses just as clickbait.
- Status at end of WS – He is arb eligible for the second time – they settled with him on $5.7 million for 2026 prior to arb. He is under team control through 2028.
- Likely status for 2027 – This will be a fascinating arbitration to watch. Brown’s reps will point at 2025 when he was one of the three best pitchers in the AL regular season. The Astros may lean into a 2026 disrupted by his early-season injury and speckled with some non-ace meltdowns, including failing to get out of the first inning in the playoffs against the White Sox. They have to be thinking about what they could get for him in a trade in the off-season or at the deadline if they are not contending.
- Status at end of WS – This is anecdotal because I can’t find it in writing, but I believe he is a free agent after the WS.
- Likely status for 2027 – Is he the Jason Alexander of 2025 – ready to turn back into a pumpkin? He seemed better than that. Are the Astros willing to bid for his services? He was arguably their best starting pitcher in 2026, but seemed to be fading towards the end of the season. Will he crash and burn in 2027 or suffer health issues from overuse in 2026? I think the Astros will have interest, but how much is the question.
- Status at end of WS – Arb eligible starting 2027 / Free agent in 2030
- Likely status for 2027 – Based on very good pitching after his return from his surgery – he is penciled in as one of their starters for 2027. It will be interesting to see how much he gets in arbitration. He pitched very well, but only 11 starts in 2026 after only pitching in 6 games in 2025. Maybe he gets $2-3 million.
- Status at end of WS – Burrows is not arb-eligible until 2029 and not a free agent until 2032.
- Likely status for 2027 – He needs to show the team that he can miss bats. His 10.6 hits per 9 IP and his 2 homers per 9 IP are both way too high for him to be an effective pitcher, but they certainly have a lot of time to fix him (if that is possible).
- Status at end of WS – This is all on Imai. He can opt out and go back to Japan or attempt to hook up with another MLB team. But he won’t match the 2 years/$36 million (plus incentives) that is left on his contract with the Astros.
- Likely status for 2027 – This is such an unusual situation it is hard to figure out. Imai showed flashes of excellence along with flashes of a personal dumpster fire. Is he so miserable with being shuttled aside for a huge chunk of the season that he would leave that much money on the table? Would you?
- Status at end of WS – Javier has 1 year / $21.4 million left on the 5 year / $64 million contract he signed back in 2023.
- Likely status for 2027 – He will be back. He seemed to be getting back towards his 2022 self towards the end of the season before ominously coming out of a game and going back on the IL. Was it just a little thing that will heal quickly or another long term arm problem? We shall see. But if he can start, he likely will start in 2027.
- Status at end of WS – Under team control until at least 2032.
- Likely status for 2027 – He will likely be in the mix for either a starter spot or a long relief spot with the team. He did a solid job in his 8 game debut…though he seemed to pitch better as an option after an opener started the game for him.
- Status at end of WS – First time arb eligible – controlled through 2029
- Likely status for 2027 – They no doubt will give Ronel a shot to show he can help – one more year removed from his surgery. In my book he was their best starter in 2024 and we can hope there is still something there with him. I don’t think he would get that much in arbitration – $2 million or less?
- Status at end of WS – Arb-eligible in 2028 and a free agent in 2031.
- Likely status for 2027 – Totally forgot about Walter. After missing all of 2024 with a rotator cuff injury, he pitched overall quite well in 9 starts for the Astros in 2025 before elbow pain led to Tommy John surgery. Will he bounce back from that and how will they ease him into use? There has been no word on him in many months. Maybe he starts off in the minors with limited usage in 2027?
- Status at end of WS – Hader still has 2 yrs/ $38 million on his current contract thru 2028.
- Likely status for 2027 – As good as Hader has been, and he has improved each of his three seasons with the Astros there has to be a discussion on value. Do the Astros need a top end closer on a team that is going nowhere? Would he be of more value bringing back 3 good prospects from a contender?
- Status at end of WS – Free agent after making $2.33 million in 2026.
- Likely status for 2027 – If it seemed like he was pitching a ton in 2026 – he was. He was the second best option out of the bullpen with 68 appearances in 138 games before being sidelined with a non-arm (hamstring) injury for the last month of the season and the playoffs. They should be re-signing him, but they won’t get him for $2.33 million and one year this time around.
- Status at end of WS – Free Agent
- Likely status for 2027 – This will be a fascinating test case for the new front office. Abreu made almost $6 million in 2026 and what they learned about him is that he is a heckuva better set-up man with Josh Hader behind him than a closer. If he had thrived in the closer role they would no doubt be trying hard to re-sign him for long term value, but it feels like they will have trouble justifying the bigger contract he will want when they may not trust him.
- Status at end of WS – He isn’t arb eligible until 2029 and not a free agent until 2032.
- Likely status for 2027 – He should be big in their plans, but will it be as a higher leverage one inning guy or as the two inning or so bridge to the back of the bullpen? They have to figure out a way to not totally burn him out. He was running on fumes in September.
- Status at end of WS – Free agent
- Likely status for 2027 – He was a work horse for the Astros appearing in 66 games, but his 4.79 ERA reflects not so great results. He cost them $1.6 million in 2026, but likely will not be on the roster heading to 2027.
- Status at end of WS – He is not arb-eligible until 2028 and a free agent in 2031.
- Likely status for 2027 – King was very good in his time with the Astros in 2024 and 2025. Pre-All star game in 2026 he was 2-2 with a 2.93 ERA – Post All Star game he was 1-4 with a 10.70 ERA. Was he hurt? Was he burned out? Was he tipping pitches? If it was just the league catching up with him, he may not be here for 2027.
- Status at end of WS – He is arb-eligible for 2027 and becomes a free agent in 2030.
- Likely status for 2027 – I will be very surprised if he is with the team for 2027. He pitched poorly in 2026 and then opened his big mouth to complain about the fans booing in the first playoff game. Buh – bye.
- Status at end of WS – He is not arb-eligible until 2029 and a free agent in 2032.
- Likely status for 2027 – He was better as a reliever (3.64 in 20 games) than as a starter (5.52 ERA in 10 games). He was even better out of the bullpen early in the season. Putting him in the rotation and then pulling him out of it seemed to hurt his mojo. He did have a knee injury mixed in with being sent down. The best thought here is that they will give him another shot at a bullpen spot in 2027.
- Status at end of WS – He is still rookie eligible and under team control until at least 2032.
- Likely status for 2027 – He was a shining star out of the bullpen showing them grit and giving them multiple innings when the staff was in full meltdown. He should be in line for a high leverage spot in 2027, perhaps even Abreu’s spot.
- Status at end of WS – Like Pecko he is under team control until at least 2032
- Likely status for 2027 – This was a mystery to me. For a team that was rolling out some relievers who were pitching batting practice in the games, Santa sported a 1.17 ERA in his 10 games with the team between late May and early July. And never appeared again. He did allow a couple inherited runners to score in his last game with the team. He maybe walked a few more than he should have and did not have a high K rate, but he was not that hittable. This kid should have a shot at a bullpen spot in 2027.
- Status at end of WS – VanWey is arb-eligible in 2029 and a free agent in 2032
- Likely status for 2027 – He did a good job (1-0, 1.42 ERA) in limited (10 games) appearances. Not clear whether they see him as a future bullpen arm or just an arm, but he surely will compete for a spot next Spring or be minor league depth.
- Status at end of WS – He is under team control through at least 2032
- Likely status for 2027 – No idea if the 29 year old Australian who made his MLB debut with the Astros is any kind of consideration for the Astros. His biggest asset may be that he is a left hander and his name is not Bennett Sousa.
- Status at end of WS – He is signed for the next 2 seasons for approx.. $53.6 million and will be a free agent after the 2028 season.
- Likely status for 2027 – It is hard to figure any scenario under which Yordan would not be with the team to at least start the 2027 season (whenever that would occur) but there certainly will be many temptations to trade him for a huge return if the Astros are not contending this season rather than watch him walk away after two seasons. Could they re-sign him ahead of time? If he does not change to Scott Boras, it is a possibility.
- Status at end of WS – The team has an option on Paredes for a $13.35 million contract for 2027 or they could turn down the option and go through arbitration with him. He will be a free agent after 2027.
- Likely status for 2027 – I would expect the team to pick up the option, unless they feel they can get a better price in arbitration, but he was arguably the second best offensive weapon for the team in 2026 only behind Yordan Alvarez. If they are rebuilding or restocking they could risk trading him for a good return if….they believe in Correa’s return.
- Status at end of WS – He is arb-eligible one last time in 2027 before becoming a free agent heading into 2028.
- Likely status for 2027 – Ah, that is the question. As good as he has been (and let’s face it the only better offensive shortstop in the Astros’ history is Carlos Correa) there has been a lot of talk about getting what you can get for him before he follows his agent’s direction (Scott Boras) and leaves for the big bucks. But he has not trade value until/if there is no CBA settlement. Best guess is that he may more likely be traded at the deadline.
- Status at end of WS – He is signed as most of us know by heart to one more season at $20 million and becomes an FA after the 2027 season.
- Likely status for 2027 – The Astros might like to send half his salary along with him and trade him, but the bet here is that he will be here at least through the trade deadline (if one happens this season). And Christian, when you can go more than a game or two without hopelessly waving at a third strike you can’t reach, then you can complain about the fans booing……OK, not even then.
- Status at end of WS – He is signed through 2028 for $63 million – $20 million of it paid by the Twins. There are team options for the four seasons after that – and also certain merit levels that could trigger the 2029 onward season. Base on his health history – these may not happen.
- Likely status for 2027 – He will be here and if you believe what is being said will take the third base position away from Isaac Paredes. Will his presence force them to trade Paredes? Why would you trust him to play enough to make that the right decision?
- Status at end of WS – He is signed through 2029 – $33 million in 2027 and then $13 million in both 2028 and 2029.
- Likely status for 2027 – If they could figure out how to keep him in the lineup, but as a designated hitter, they would. His glove is a liability at this point. It may get more and more painful to watch Jose try and push towards that 3000 hit goal. But he is going nowhere unless he chooses to go somewhere.
- Status at end of WS – He continues to be arb eligible in 2027 and 2028 before becoming a free agent headed into the 2029 season.
- Likely status for 2027 – He solidified his grip on the starting catching spot with a good offensive second half of the season. It was close to his best season of 2024. He certainly could bring value in a trade – if the Astros decide to re-set this team – with the status of their catching prospects you would think that would more likely happen at the trade deadline or after the 2027 season.
- Status at end of WS – He will be arb-eligible in 2028 and a free agent in 2031.
- Likely status for 2027 – Cam will be given another bite of the apple considering what a bargain he is and the belief that at some point he may put everything together.
- Status at end of WS – He is under team control until at least 2032.
- Likely status for 2027 – After his super hot ending to the season in Sacramento, the fans would revolt if he wasn’t give some chance at a spot in Spring Training. Folks need to just remember that a hot short period against a very bad pitching staff does not guarantee future success, but it was one of the most fun stories of a season without too many of those.
- Status at end of WS – He will be arb eligible for the first time in 2027 and would reach free agency in 2030.
- Likely status for 2027 – He made $1.6 million in 2025 and frankly earned it. His slash numbers were quite good for a player with little power (.283 BA/ .327 OBP/ .720 OPS) and these slash numbers were far above his career numbers. He should be on this roster again in 2027.
- Status at end of WS – He is not arb-eligible until 2029 and an FA in 2032.
- Likely status for 2027 – He had good numbers in a cameo in 2025 and bad numbers in a cameo in 2026. He will likely start 2027 in the minors and show he deserves a call up during the season. With their lack of depth in the OF he will get another shot it would seem.
- Status at end of WS – He will be arb-eligible in 2028 and a free agent in 2031.
- Likely status for 2027 – With some ok numbers in 2024 and 2025, it felt like he should have gotten more run in 2026 (and 75 ABs is not much of a run). Maybe he will get more of a shot under the future regime or maybe they will let him go.
- Status at end of WS – He will be arb-eligible in 2028 and a free agent in 2031.
- Likely status for 2027 – He hit very well in around 100 ABs with Toronto in 2025 and hit pretty meh with the Astros in about the same ABs in 2026. He was good at AAA this last season. He will no doubt stay on the 40 man, but how much of a shot he is given is the question.
- Status at end of WS – He will be arb-eligible in 2029 and a free agent in 2032.
- Likely status for 2027 – He’s a former first rounder and in some ways he has been jacked around a bit between the infield which is his past and the outfield where he could get at-bats. He also was injured for a huge chunk of the season. But he needs to show more this season and will likely stay on the 40 man.
- Status at end of WS – He has one more season of arb-eligibility before he becomes a free agent.
- Likely status for 2027 – The Astros should have done what many on the blog suggested. Traded Jake after his career season in 2025. Instead, he spent 2026 not earning his $3.55 million salary. He is certainly a candidate to be non-tendered at arbitration time.
- Status at end of WS – He is arb-eligible now and a free agent in 2030.
- Likely status for 2027 – Taylor had a few good moments in 2026, but few is the operative word here. He might be around in 2027 due to how crummy the Astros’ outfield prospects are right now, or he might be non-tendered and maybe offered a minor league contract.
- Status at end of WS – He is a free agent.
- Likely status for 2027 – He made $10.75 million in 2026. The Astros should not have traded for him and they certainly should not try to have him return in 2027….no matter what the back of his baseball card says.
- Status at end of WS – He is arb-eligible in 2029 and a free agent in 2032.
- Likely status for 2027 – He has put up some decent numbers in the minors. He has put up some indecent numbers at the MLB level. Right now he is just a body that they brought in for free. If they think that their hitting coaches who don’t seem to improve anyone can improve Jorge – have at it. But it would not be surprising to see his 40 man spot cleared out.
Christian Vasquez
- Status at end of WS – Free Agent
- Likely status for 2027 – He only cost the Astros $1 million and they did well in his starts. It certainly wasn’t because of his offense as he ended up under .600 OPS for the fifth straight season. It would make sense to move a younger catcher into the backup spot to develop for the day when Yainer is gone.
- Status at end of WS – He is under team control until at least 2032.
- Likely status for 2027 – He will probably be competing with some younger prospects to prove he should stay on the 40 man as a second or third catcher. In the minors he has been better at getting on base by walk than by base hit. He did show some pop – 18 homers in 86 games.
Raynel Delgado
- Status at end of WS – He again is controllable until at least the 2032 season.
- Likely status for 2027 – He made his MLB debut with the Astros this season, but did not do anything that says he must be on the 40 man going forward. Maybe they offer him a minor league contract?
Nelson Velasquez
- Status at end of WS – Hard to find, but believe he will be a free agent
- Likely status for 2027 – Did not see anything that would tell me they need to pursue him for 2027
Lamonte Wade Jr.
- Status at end of WS – He is a free agent.
- Likely status for 2027 – Liked his plate discipline, not thrilled by his batting average. Not sure what their thought process is but I would hope they will pursue a better option for the outfield.
Yes, there will be spots opening on the 40-man roster, but there needs to be for a couple of reasons. First, the Astros will need to hide some prospects on it that they don’t want to lose in the Rule 5 draft. Second, they will need space on the roster for all the $400 million free agents they will sign this off-season…….Hahahaha.
Your turn….anything you would like to add to the discussion?
