The Houston Astros reached salary agreements with nine of their 11 arbitration-eligible players ahead of Thursday’s deadline, avoiding arbitration hearings with most of their core contributors for the 2026 season.
All-Star shortstop Jeremy Peña agreed to a $9.475 million contract in his second year of arbitration, more than doubling his previous salary. Peña hit .304 with 17 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases during the 2025 season.
Right-hander Hunter Brown, who finished third in American League Cy Young voting, agreed to a $5.71 million deal in his first year of arbitration following a breakout 2025 campaign.
Astros Arbitration Agreements for 2026
Houston also reached agreements with:
- Bryan Abreu, RHP – $5.85 million
- Jesús Sánchez, OF – $6.8 million
- Jake Meyers, OF – $3.55 million
- Steven Okert, LHP – $2.325 million
- Nick Allen, INF – $1.4 million
- Hayden Wesneski, RHP – $975,000
- Bennett Sousa, LHP – $910,000
Two Players Head to Arbitration
The Astros did not reach agreements with infielder Isaac Paredes or catcher Yainer Díaz, and both players will proceed to arbitration hearings.
- Paredes filed at $9.95 million; the Astros filed at $8.75 million
- Díaz filed at $4.5 million; Houston filed at $3 million
The two sides may continue negotiations before the hearings. If no agreement is reached, an arbitration panel will select one of the two submitted salary figures, with no middle ground.
Houston avoided arbitration hearings entirely in 2025, after going to hearings with Kyle Tucker in 2023 and Mauricio Dubón in 2024.
