Latest news and updates about the Astros
There was a bit of a stir during the holiday week when Tatsuya Imai put pen to paper and agreed to a deal with the Houston Astros. The deal that he signed contained multiple opt-out clauses in it, one after each season to be exact. It’s interesting that the opt-outs exist since that type of […]
The Royals have been focused on trading their pitching depth for an outfielder, and could still use another bat despite adding Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas. One potential trade partner could be the Houston Astros, who are starved for starting pitching depth and have a surplus of outfielders. Earlier rumors focused on Jake Meyers, who […]
Legitimate prospects out of Latin America sign for at least six-figure signing bonuses, and they do so when they are 16 years old. Anyone who signs for less or signs when they are older tends to be an afterthought. Framber Valdez signed with the Astros for $10,000 as a 21-year-old on March 18, 2015. He […]
All the news and rumors for the Astros and from around MLB – it’s in here! The second offseason Crawfish Boil of 2026! Here’s what’s happening: Translated from Japanese Tatsuya Imai, Astros’ New Jersey Number “45” Decided; 23 Pitchers Including Ace Cole and NPB Veterans Have Worn It in the Past; To Be Unveiled at […]
There’s almost always a cyclical nature to the MLB offseason. It typically begins with a flurry, especially now that Qualifying Offer decisions (and their $20+ million price tags) force the hands of teams within a week of the end of the World Series. Teams often try to get a jump on the offseason and put […]
Good morning, LSB. Not much of anything about the Rangers out there today but there is further info about their more active AL West cohorts. Fangraphs has a post about new Astros starter Tatsuya Imai and why he might be in Houston for a good time but not a long time. MLB dot com has […]
In something of a surprise move, the Astros added Tatsuya Imai to their rotation on a three year deal that includes a lot of opt-outs. A lot of these incentives are interesting in that they kind of indicate that maybe a lot of teams aren’t really sure he’ll translate to being a starter in MLB. […]
With Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai signing his deal with the Houston Astros, one of the two free agent plugs clogging up the offseason has been removed. The second and hopefully final move to make before the “free agent frenzy” can begin is Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto. His deadline to come to terms and sign a […]
Obviously, things have changed considerably in the last 24 hours. The signing of Tatsuya Imai changes the pitching landscape considerably. So, one name that was included with the starters will now move to the bullpen. However, before we get there we need to take a step back and look at bases per out in some […]
Good morning, LSB. The Houston Astros have struck big in free agency with the signing of Japanese star pitcher Tatsuya Imai. MLB dot come makes a 2026 prediction for every team. And MLB Pipeline lists a breakout candidate from each team’s farm system. They picked someone other than Sebastian Walcott for the Rangers. That’s all […]
I’ll admit I was still asleep when the word came down, that NPB ace Tatsuya Imai was signing with the Houston Astros for three years and $54 million guaranteed. Escalators exist on the deal that can give Imai another $3 million per, for a total possible AAV of $21 million — or some six million […]
2026 began with an incredibly slow day on the news front. However, with a new year, it’s time to remember those who passed away in 2025 with our annual Braves in Memoriam. MLB News: Tatsuya Imai and the Houston Astros reportedly agreed to a three-year, $54M deal. The deal allows the right-hander to opt out […]
Good morning, Camden Chatters. In the Orioles’ pursuit of a big-name starting pitcher, one major candidate just came off the board. Nippon Professional Baseball standout Tatsuya Imai reportedly will sign with the Houston Astros on a three-year, $54 million contract that includes opt-outs after every season. It’s one of the most surprising free agent deals […]
Happy New Year Astros fans! The Astros offseason has now officially started. It was close to 11 a.m. CT when Jeff Passan reported that the Houston Astros were signing Japanese star pitcher Tatsuya Imai. An offseason of bargain shopping and working margins in trades had just been set ablaze by Dana Brown (likely with Jim […]
News item: So, okay, the guy who could have really helped the Cubs rotation isn’t available anymore. And here’s the money for Tatsuya Imai: Yes, the Cubs could easily have afforded that. Maybe it wasn’t totally about money — remember, Imai had said at one point that he wanted to challenge himself by NOT signing […]
Dedicated Astros fans have been waiting all offseason for a big move and it looks like they get one as a New Year’s gift. It has been reported in multiple outlets that the Astros are in agreement with Japanese phenom Tatsuya Imai on a three year contract with opt outs after the first and second […]
MLB Rumors: Tatsuya Imai and the Houston Astros have agreed to a three year deal, per reports. The deal is for $19 million per year with $4 million per year in incentives, with Imai having opt outs after each season. Imai, 27, is a righthander who debuted in the NPB for the Seibu Lions in […]
As we close the book on 2025 in the Bayou City, there is much to celebrate. The Houston Texans have clinched a playoff spot and still have the possibility of winning the AFC South Division title for the third straight season, all after starting the season at 0-3. The Astros are still in the afterglow […]
The final review of the 2025 season will be looking at each position in the Astros farm system. Next up is the third base position. BEST OF THE BUNCH Shay Whitcomb Whitcomb has been a constant producer in the Astros system for the last few years and 2025 was no different. He played in 107 […]
Look around the Astros fansphere and you will see no other topic of conversation that has resonated as much as the conversation over the starting rotation. I pointed out earlier in a separate commentary that the Astros seem to be more focused on pitching than hitting as an organization. That is their default setting. It […]
Braves Franchise History 1966 – The Braves trade Eddie Mathews to the Astros. Mathews is the only player to play for the Braves in Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta. MLB History 1918 – Kid Gleason replaces Pants Rowland as White Sox manager. Gleason will win the American League pennant in his first season, but it will […]
All the news and rumors around the Houston Astros and from around MLB – it’s in here! A late night offseason Crawfish Boil for the holidays – December 29, 2025 Cliff’s notes version: Ruiz led the AL with 67 SB in 2023, but has only 76 AB the last 2 seasons combined between the A’s […]
All the news and rumors for the Houston Astros and from around all of MLB – it’s in here! Today’s offseason Crawfish Boil for December 27, 2025: Other important notes from this include: The Marlins are now considered unlikely to deal Sandy Alcantara; The Mets, Giants and Orioles are among the teams that reportedly met […]
Overview 2025 Review Mike Hazen has developed himself a reputation for making his impact moves at some rather unexpected moments. Jalen Beeks is no exception. Despite having solid results for four of the previous five seasons, Beeks looked first to the Houston Astros on a minor league deal for the 2025 season. Less than two […]
The final review of the 2025 season will be looking at each position in the Astros farm system. Next up is the second base position. BEST OF THE BUNCH Brice Matthews After a strong 2024 campaign, Matthews followed it up with another productive season at Triple-A in 2025. Across 112 games with Sugar Land, he […]