I’ll Say This About That - Volume II

Astros get to 40 by placing 5, including Chas McCormick, on waivers

These days, there’s little to no offseason for teams, players or fans and now that the World Series is over our trek toward 2026 has begun with 40-man roster moves, trades, qualifying offers, free agency and, eventually, the 2026 season.

Ridiculous, you say? We’re closer than you think, as I’ve already made very preliminary inquiries into the Astros’ trip to Wrigley Field next May 22-24.

Free Agents

On November 2nd, the Astros announced that four players had elected free agency. Here’s a quick thought on each:

Craig Kimbrel - He served his purpose with Houston, at the minimum, after years of 8-figure salaries. That he pitched in 3 organizations and it took a mountain of Astros injuries for him to pitch in mop-up duty is all you need to know. Perhaps a minor league deal and release if he doesn’t break camp, but no more.

Victor Caratini - I hope he stays, but Caratini earned $6,050,000 and is seeking more as he enters his age-32 season. Mediocre defensive skills and a 101 OPS+ may cause Houston to balk, but he’s a solid contributor who had a 113 OPS+ in 2024, hit 20 home runs with 76 RBI in 589 PA over 2024-2025 and slugged over .400 both seasons in Houston.

Brendan Rodgers - Dana Brown lit $2,000,000 on fire with this one, but it was worth a shot.

Framber Valdez - You already know how I feel. Very good pitcher. Give him ace money at your own risk. The Astros extended a qualifying offer and it will be rejected.

Waivers

The Astros also placed five players on outright waivers.

Quick thoughts:

Chas McCormick - It felt like this was going to happen for the last 2 or so years and now it finally has. One of my favorites, McCormick was not treated great by the organization at times, but I understand this move at this point of his career and with the other options they have. Chandler Rome reported that McCormick went unclaimed and will become a free agent via a source, but as of this writing, the transactions do not reflect that.

Pedro Leon - Leon only got one brief chance in 2024, and it didn’t go well. He saw 2,000 MiLB plate appearances with some good and bad, but has been injured often and others have passed him in the org. Leon was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles.

Luis Garcia - Perhaps the saddest of all of the transactions. Garcia comes across as a genuinely good guy headed for a nice career before his arm betrayed him twice. The Astros had no choice, considering the roster limitations. The transactions indicate Garcia elected free agency.

John Rooney - Another unfortunate injury, though I’m not sure where, or if, he figured in the long-term plans. Outrighted to Sugar Land.

Kenedy Corona - I’ve written about this before, but sometimes getting promoted to the 40-man can end up leading to a trip out of town. Outrighted to Sugar Land.

These transactions leave the Astros right at 40, so if they add anyone to the Major League Roster, a corresponding move will need to be made.

Objects in the Mirror are Closer Than They Appear

Last time out, I mentioned a possible reunion between Justin Verlander and the Astros.

Chandler Rome mentioned this again on his podcast, this time going so far as to say there was more than a 50% chance of it happening.

Apparently, Verlander asked the Astros if they could match the Giants’ offer last season before he signed it.

While I don’t advocate signing 43-year-old starting pitchers often, the Astros could be in a tight spot.

Verlander gave the Giants over 150 innings last season, something the Astros could definitely use, given the impending loss of Valdez and uncertainty in their rotation.

Thanks for reading!