Astros Sign Corner Infielder CJ Alexander to Minor League Deal
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Astros continued building organizational depth this week, signing corner infielder CJ Alexander to a minor league contract. The 29-year-old is expected to report to Triple-A Sugar Land as Houston fortifies its roster heading…
Cristian Javier’s Comeback Could Be Key to Astros’ Rotation Puzzle
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Astros rebuilt their rotation this winter with an eye toward both the present and the future. They signed Japanese standout Tatsuya Imai and KBO veteran Ryan Weiss. They traded top prospects for right-hander Mike Burrows.…
Astros Banking on Mike Burrows’ “Red-Ass” Intensity to Anchor Rotation
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Mike Burrows was throwing live batting practice Tuesday, the kind of easygoing early-spring session where hitters track pitches and pitchers sometimes chat between deliveries. Burrows wasn’t in a chatting mood. Manager Joe Espada…
Would Michael Conforto Actually Make Sense for the Astros?
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Astros have spent much of the offseason searching for a left-handed bat to balance an increasingly right-heavy lineup. Now, a familiar veteran name has surfaced. According to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart, Houston has shown recent…
“Ohio? Ohayo!”: Astros Use Daily Word Board to Bridge Language Gaps in Camp
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — AJ Blubaugh wanted to connect with his new teammate. Tatsuya Imai, the star Japanese pitcher who signed with Houston in January, has an interpreter who follows him everywhere. But Blubaugh decided to try making contact directly.…
Did Astros 2026 Giveaways Leak? What Was Spotted at Daikin Park
HOUSTON — The Houston Astros have not yet formally released their full 2026 promotional and giveaway calendar, but signage spotted at Daikin Park is already offering fans an early preview of theme nights, special events, and stadium giveaways for the…
Astros Adjust to Automated Strike Zone Challenges; Espada Wants Catchers in Control
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — As Major League Baseball introduces its automated ball-strike challenge system for the 2026 season, Astros manager Joe Espada is already setting the tone for how Houston plans to use it: let the catchers make the call. After years…
Espada’s Message at First Full-Squad Workout: Leave 2025 in the Past
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Astros officially opened full-squad workouts Monday in West Palm Beach, and manager Joe Espada wasted no time setting the tone for camp. His message to the 64 players in major-league camp was simple: Don’t let last season…
Altuve Returning to Second Base Full-Time, Seeking Stability After Uneven 2025
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — After a season that saw him spend extended time in the outfield, José Altuve is returning to familiar ground. Astros manager Joe Espada confirmed that Altuve will spend the majority of spring training working at second base, the…
McCullers Opens Camp With Unusual Honesty: “I’ll Be Happy With That”
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The first day of spring training is usually full of bold predictions and talk of career-best shape. Lance McCullers Jr. took a different approach. Speaking to reporters at the Astros’ spring complex in West Palm Beach, the veteran…