“Joe Espada said he plans to have a conversation with Roddery Muñoz about his ABS challenge in the seventh inning. Espada reiterated that the Astros don’t want their pitchers challenging any calls. Espada said he didn’t have a problem with Yainer Diaz’s first-inning challenge,” Chandler Rome wrote on X.

Houston struggled in the 6-2 loss to the Angels, scoring just two runs in the first five innings before going quiet the rest of the game. While it’s still early, Espada could be dealing with some early offensive concerns from his lineup.

How many ABS challenges does a team get?

Each team is allowed two ABS challenges per game. If a challenge is successful, it is retained; if not, the team loses one. In extra innings, each team is granted an additional challenge until the end of the game.

“Roddery Muñoz just lost a full-count ABS challenge to Nolan Schanuel. It was the Astros’ last challenge and it wasn’t close. At last check, the Astros were not encouraging any of their pitchers to challenge,” wrote Rome, highlighting the situation during the game.

It’s worth noting that back in February, Espada had already made his stance clear, saying, “I highly encourage them not to do it,” emphasizing that the system is best used strategically. He also pointed out that many MLB players are still adjusting to the ABS system, which has been more commonly used in the minors.

“Where did all that come from? Houston’s wilding right now. In reality, he’s good! They [Astros] probably just don’t want him playing. But he’ll be back here soon, and when he returns, he’s going to make a real impact for the team,” Perdomo told Master Flip (@masterflip_) and other reporters.

It is worth noting that Peña and Perdomo were nearly set to play in what would have been the Dominican Republic’s first WBC game on March 6 in Pool D against Nicaragua, a matchup that on paper could be a relatively manageable one for them against the group’s underdog.

Perdomo says he’s ready to cover shortstop

Perdomo, who last season posted a .290 batting average with 173 hits, 20 home runs and 100 RBIs, said he is more than ready to fill the shortstop role Peña left open while his situation with the Astros is sorted out. Both players had strong MLB seasons in 2025.

“I feel great. I’m here to do my job, I’m having a blast doing it, and I’m not stressing about carrying the load at short. We had solid communication about who was going to play, him (Peña) or me, but the only goal was getting the job done, no matter who was out there,” Master Flip translated from Perdomo’s comments in Spanish.

Without Peña, the Dominican Republic would be losing a player who posted a .304 batting average with the Astros in 2025, along with 17 home runs, 150 hits and 62 RBIs during his fourth season with the team. He also received an MVP nomination.

Long-term commitments, expiring deals and arbitration raises are quietly reshaping the books. The numbers suggest careful calibration rather than reckless spending, a strategy built to extend a competitive window without slamming it shut.

How that financial blueprint translates to on-field depth remains the looming question. In a division that refuses to ease up, the MLB team’s 2026 payroll may reveal more about its championship ambitions than any offseason headline.

How much is the Houston Astros payroll in 2026?

For the 2026 season, the Houston Astros project a luxury tax payroll of about $228 million, placing them comfortably in the upper tier of MLB salary spenders but still behind some perennial big-market spenders like the Dodgers and Yankees.

That total, based on Spotrac data, reflects both guaranteed contracts and arbitration-eligible salaries across the 40-man roster. Anchoring the franchise’s payroll are high-value deals for cornerstone players.

Jose Altuve leads the club at $33 million, followed by Carlos Correa and Yordan Alvarez with salaries in the $26–33 million range, while other established veterans like Cristian Javier and Christian Walker also command significant paychecks.

Beyond the stars, a group of arbitration players — including Jeremy Peña, Hunter Brown, Yainer Diaz and others — adds depth but also financial commitments that push the total higher.

With most arbitration figures now set and additional contract moves like the three-year deal for pitcher Tatsuya Imai factoring into the mix, the Astros’ 2026 payroll underscores a deliberate blend of elite talent and roster flexibility.

After an offseason that saw changes in the pitching staff, New York appears focused on adding experienced arms who can compete for roles. With bullpen uncertainty following key departures, veteran reinforcements could play a meaningful part during spring workouts.

According to Jon Heyman, the Yankees signed veteran reliever Rafael Montero to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to spring training. Joel Sherman later reported the deal could be worth up to $1.85 million if Montero spends sufficient time in the majors.

Veteran arm with upside and risk

Montero, 35, split last season between the Astros, Braves, and Tigers, posting a 4.48 ERA across more than 60 innings. While his overall numbers were uneven, he finished strong in Detroit, recording a 2.86 ERA in 20 appearances down the stretch.

His struggles in Atlanta, where he posted a 5.50 ERA over 36 games, inflated his season totals. The 11-year MLB veteran previously earned a World Series ring with Houston in 2022 after beginning his career with the New York Mets.

Yankees bullpen competition looms

New York could see a competitive bullpen battle this spring after losing Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. Montero will need to earn a roster spot, but his experience could make him a viable depth option if injuries arise.

The Yankees are also managing rotation concerns, with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt expected to miss Opening Day. Manager Aaron Boone indicated Cole could see some mound time before camp concludes, while Schmidt continues recovering from elbow surgery.

With the Yankees’ first spring training game approaching, Montero enters camp with an opportunity — though his recent performance suggests he will need a strong showing to secure a meaningful role.

“Astros trade talks surrounding Isaac Paredes have intensified in the last 48–72 hours, with as many as five teams, including the Red Sox and Pirates, having ‘legitimate and aggressive’ interest in the player, according to Chandler Rome,” wrote Red Sox reporter Gordo on X (@BOSSportsGordo).

In Rome’s original report, it was mentioned that up to five teams, including the Red Sox and Pirates, are applying significant pressure to acquire Paredes, who last season contributed 96 hits, 20 home runs, and a .254 batting average for the Astros.

How much could a player like Isaac Paredes cost?

As a player coming off a very solid recent MLB season, it’s likely that the Red Sox, Pirates, and other teams would be willing to offer far more than what he is currently earning with the Astros. Paredes is set to make $9.35 million in 2026, with a club option of $13.35 million for 2027.

“It has become a common theme for Isaac Paredes to be surrounded in trade talks. Strong hitting numbers in ’25 with an .810 OPS, 20 HR, 17.4% K-rate. Subpar defender,” wrote Sam Fosberg of Just Baseball on X, highlighting how well the Astros infielder has performed.

Javier Gonzalez, who regularly covers the Astros in detail throughout the year, weighed in on Rome’s report and noted that Paredes leaving the roster shouldn’t be a major concern for fans.

“To be honest, I think the odds of Paredes starting the season in Houston are pretty low. The Astros still have a surplus of starting infielders and are reportedly looking to add a left-handed bat to the lineup (and maybe a backup catcher). It wouldn’t hurt them to shave a few dollars off their payroll either,” Gonzalez wrote on X (@astros_coverage).

Rosario’s journey has included years outside the traditional minor-league system, forcing him to rebuild his value away from the spotlight. After leaving organized baseball in 2023, he continued grinding in independent leagues, where steady offensive growth began to reshape how teams viewed his potential.

That progress paid off Wednesday, when the official Frontier League announced that Rosario’s contract had been purchased—marking a fresh chapter with an organization known for uncovering overlooked talent.

How did Rosario’s unconventional path lead back to affiliated baseball?

Originally signed by the New York Yankees as an international free agent, Rosario spent seven seasons in their system but never gained traction offensively. Across 95 games, he posted a .506 OPS with three home runs, struggles that eventually led him to elect free agency after the 2023 season.

Rosario then resurfaced in the Frontier League, an MLB partner league, where his bat showed noticeable improvement. He recorded an .800 OPS in 64 games during 2024 and followed it with an .806 OPS across 90 games this past season, production that caught the attention of scouts searching beyond affiliated ball.

What role could Rosario realistically play with the Astros?

This move is not expected to impact the Astros’ major league roster in the short term. The club remains firmly committed to Yainer Díaz as its starting catcher, and Rosario is not viewed as an immediate backup option.

For now, Rosario returns to affiliated baseball with momentum and opportunity, while the Astros add a quietly intriguing name to their catching depth chart as the organization looks ahead.

With Bichette set to handle third base, Marcus Semien at second, Jorge Polanco at first, and Francisco Lindor anchoring shortstop, the Mets have reshaped their infield almost entirely. Still, the organization opted to add another experienced infielder to the mix, at least on a non-guaranteed basis.

That addition comes in the form of Grae Kessinger, a former Houston Astros shortstop who has agreed to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

Who is Grae Kessinger and why does he matter?

Kessinger, 28, has limited major league experience, appearing in 49 games with the Astros. His production at the MLB level has been modest, but he has shown more promise in the upper minors, including an .826 OPS during the 2023 season split between Double-A and Triple-A.

After being designated for assignment by Houston, Kessinger was traded to Arizona last January but was released before making a big-league appearance and did not latch on with another organization during the season.

A crowded infield competition awaits

The challenge for Kessinger is the sheer number of infield options already in the organization. Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, Mark Vientos, and Vidal Bruján will all be competing for roster spots and meaningful playing time once camp opens.

Even if he does not break camp with the major league club, Kessinger could still provide value as Triple-A depth. For a Mets team focused on flexibility and injury protection, adding experienced organizational depth is a low-risk move with potential upside.

“If I get the opportunity, I’d like to go. I’ve already signed all the paperwork saying I’m willing to play, just like I did in the last two WBCs. It’s always an honor to represent my country. I played in the last one and the one before that, and I’m trying to do it again, but I don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. It feels like this year lines up for me, so I’m hoping everything gets cleared up and I can go,” Altuve told Javier González (@astros_coverage) in Spanish.

Astros batting coach Omar López was a bit more direct when discussing what ultimately remains before a final decision is made. “Well, I pray for him and for everyone. I mean, that’s not in our hands. We can’t create panic over it. It’s simply not under our control — it’s up to the insurance companies to review the medical records and make a decision,” López said.

Carlos Correa’s WBC situation

Carlos Correa is another player widely expected to suit up in the World Baseball Classic, this time for Team Puerto Rico, and he finds himself in a situation similar to Altuve’s.

González responded to a fan on X who asked whether Correa had said anything about playing in the WBC. “He said he has everything ready to attend. He’s just waiting for team approval (which shouldn’t be an issue),” González wrote (translated from Spanish).

Correa also made an interesting comment to the media during Fan Fest, revealing that he has been preparing during the MLB off-season to play third base, knowing that he will have fewer opportunities to play shortstop following the arrival of Nick Allen.

There’s speculation about a potential blockbuster trade between the Red Sox and Astros, involving Isaac Paredes and Jarren Duran. According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, it would be surprising if the Astros do not trade an infielder, given the current congestion in that area of their roster.

Rome suggests that with the Astros’ surplus of infield players, they are likely to pursue a trade for a player in that position. One potential candidate could be Paredes, heightening the excitement among Red Sox supporters who would love to see him join their team.

The outlook is positive for the Red Sox. Despite losing Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs, they have secured Ranger Suarez for the next five years, establishing him as a key leader on the roster for the upcoming season.

Why consider Paredes?

Among the remaining free agency options this offseason, Paredes appears to be an ideal fit for the Red Sox. Acquiring him from the Astros could address their infield needs efficiently.

Last season, Paredes showcased notable achievements:

• Improved his batting average above the .238 mark from 2024.
• Hit 19 home runs before the All-Star break.
• Maintained outstanding discipline as a hitter in the AL, particularly in walk rate.
• Delivered solid WAR value despite splitting time between third base and designated hitter.

For the Phillies, acquiring a player of Paredes’ caliber could meet a pressing need next season, as his skills and talents promise to be a significant asset for Philadelphia.

A report from a Houston Radio Show suggests that the Red Sox and Astros are negotiating a trade involving Isaac Paredes and Jarren Duran. Under this proposed deal, Boston would acquire Paredes and Bryan Abreu, while Houston would add Duran to its lineup for the next season.

Anticipation is mounting around this potential blockbuster trade, which could significantly impact the Astros. Having signed Tatsuya Imai to fill the void left by Framber Valdez, adding Duran could further bolster their chances of achieving a standout performance next season.

On the flip side, the Red Sox stand to gain with the addition of Paredes and Abreu, two players poised to enhance a roster already strengthened by the acquisition of former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez.

Red Sox’s reported players of interest

The Red Sox have identified two players, also courted by other franchises like the New York Yankees, as key priorities for the upcoming season. With Alex Bregman now a Chicago Cub, the team is reportedly willing to entertain offers for Nico Hoerner, while the St. Louis Cardinals may consider moving Brendan Donovan.

These two players are reportedly of significant interest to the Red Sox, yet they face stiff competition from other franchises. This context underlines the importance of the proposed Astros trade, although reports suggest its realization may be unlikely due to Houston’s reluctance to part with certain assets.

As training camps approach, the Red Sox remain eager to secure an impactful addition to their roster. Fan expectations are mounting, fueled by promising names already in the mix, offering hope for a successful season ahead.

During a press conference on January 5, Espada was direct about his plans. “You’ll see a six-man rotation more often this season. You’ll probably see it from the get-go,” he said. That is where Imai could become a key piece in strengthening the Astros’ staff heading into the upcoming season.

Espada is already working on how to fit Imai into the rotation the Astros envision. “Manager Joe Espada said he and pitching coach Josh Miller, who attended Monday’s news conference, have already begun formulating Imai’s spring training plans,” Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported.

Espada open to advice from other managers

During the press conference, Espada made it clear he is willing to seek guidance from players who spent time in Japan’s NPB, as well as from current MLB managers who have experience working with Japanese pitchers. His goal is to find the best way to adapt the Astros’ strategy to a pitcher like Imai.

“For guidance, Espada said he intends to call players who’ve spent time in NPB and other major-league managers who’ve had Japanese pitchers come over. New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, one of Espada’s close friends, comes to mind as a potential sounding board. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts can offer obvious insight,” Rome wrote.

Imai ready to embrace the challenge in Houston

From Imai’s perspective, he appears fully committed to chasing a championship with the Astros. “I’m just very excited to go after and chase a world championship here and perform for a great organization like the Astros. That’s why I made the long, 12-hour trip to be here,” the Japanese pitcher said.

Imai could offer Houston something truly unique. In his final season in Japan with Seibu, he posted a 1.92 ERA and a 10–5 record across 24 appearances, the best season of his nine-year career. He also believes his aggressive pitching style can translate well to the Astros.

“I don’t have any history here in MLB. I almost feel like I have nothing to lose,” Imai said. “I just need to go out there and take it on as a challenge. I feel like my style of pitching — being aggressive, attacking hitters and going after these guys — is my best trait. I definitely want to keep that. And I look forward to showing the fans here in Houston my style of pitching.”