HOUSTON, TX – November 19, 2025 – The Houston Astros added hard-throwing right-hander Miguel Ullola to the 40-man roster ahead of Tuesday’s deadline to protect players from next month’s Rule 5 Draft, while designating infielder Ramón Urías for assignment.
Ullola, 23, ranks as the Astros’ No. 5 prospect by MLB Pipeline and spent the 2025 season with Triple-A Sugar Land. The right-hander struck out 131 batters in 113⅔ innings while posting a .186 opponents’ batting average, showcasing the electric upper-90s fastball with quality carry and sharp mid-80s slider that make him a tantalizing prospect.
Control remains Ullola’s primary challenge, as he walked 78 batters for a 6.18 walks per nine innings ratio that aligns with his career Minor League numbers (6.14). Despite the command issues, Ullola will be in the mix to provide starting pitching depth in 2026 if he can consistently throw strikes.
Roster Implications
The move to designate Urías, who the Astros acquired at the Trade Deadline from the Orioles, signals the organization’s intention to trim payroll ahead of Friday’s deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players. Urías slashed .223/.267/.372 with three homers in 94 at-bats, starting 18 games at second base and five at third. He made $3.15 million last season and was entering his final year of arbitration.
With 13 arbitration-eligible players remaining, the Astros are exploring ways to reduce payroll to acquire starting pitching—their biggest offseason need. Among potential trade candidates are center fielder Jake Meyers, who made $2.3 million last season, and two-time Gold Glove-winning utility player Mauricio Dubón, who made $5 million and is entering his final year of club control.
Dubón won his second Gold Glove last month after making 104 starts across seven positions while posting a .644 OPS in 2025, and is reportedly garnering interest from other clubs.
The Astros left two of their Top 30 Prospects unprotected in the Rule 5 Draft: right-handed pitchers Alimber Santa (No. 13) and Jose Fleury (No. 17). The Rule 5 Draft takes place December 10 at the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida.
The Astros have until Friday to make additional roster decisions regarding arbitration-eligible players.
