The Houston Astros postseason concluded without a victory, following a two-game defeat in the AL Wild Card series against the Detroit Tigers and former manager AJ Hinch. Given Hinch’s controversial firing after the sign-stealing scandal, this win for Detroit must have felt satisfying.
FanSided’s Cody Williams noted the Astros’ impending free agents after this loss, highlighting four key players who are unlikely to return: Alex Bregman, Justin Verlander, Jason Heyward, and Caleb Ferguson. Bregman and Verlander stand out due to their significant contributions, both having won World Series titles with Houston. Jose Altuve, a longtime teammate, has urged the front office to retain Bregman. Verlander, although still confident, has faced challenges with injuries and may need to accept a lower salary if he hopes to continue playing elsewhere.
As impactful as their departures would be, other changes are also coming, meaning the 2025 Astros will look quite different.
3. Kendall Graveman’s injury affects his future in Houston
Acquired at the 2023 trade deadline, Kendall Graveman excelled with a 2.42 ERA in 23 games but missed the postseason due to shoulder discomfort. His absence has prompted the Astros to invest heavily in Josh Hader. Graveman, now a free agent, faces uncertainty in Houston’s bullpen due to injury concerns. He expressed the emotional toll of missing a season, reflecting on his earlier recovery from Tommy John surgery in 2018.
2. Ben Gamel’s brief stint likely over
The Astros signed Ben Gamel in September to fill in for the injured Kyle Tucker. Although Gamel impressed the coaching staff, he lacks the consistency to contribute on a contending roster. Gamel noted the quality of players in the Astros lineup but will likely seek a starting role on a struggling team as he enters free agency.
1. Yusei Kikuchi’s success may lead him elsewhere
Despite criticism for the trade that brought Yusei Kikuchi from Toronto, he emerged as a valuable asset, going 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA after his acquisition. As a free agent, Kikuchi is anticipated to explore opportunities outside Houston, especially as Astros GM Dana Brown emphasizes their strong rotation depth. Though Kikuchi delivered strong performances, the team must consider budget constraints when making future roster decisions.
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