Houston Astros News Today | 2 Minute News | The Daily News Now!

The Houston Astros offense struggled last season, ranking low in runs scored despite a decent batting average. Analysts are using new metrics like secondary average and real offensive value (R-O-V) to understand the issue. Players like Yordan Alvarez and Jose Altuve, with high O-swing percentages, struggle with power due to chasing too many pitches outside the strike zone. Free swingers like Diaz, Altuve, and Pena are unlikely to change their habits, but theres hope for Alvarezs recovery and young players improvement. The Astros new hitting coaches and GM Dana Brown face the challenge of improving roster building for walks and power to boost runs in the 2026 season. Checkout Solipillow.com

The Houston Astros have signed Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, a breakout star in Nippon Professional Baseball, to a three-year contract worth up to $63 million. Imai, known for his mid-nineties fastball and sharp command, could slot into Houstons strong staff behind Hunter Brown and alongside Cristian Javier. Early projections suggest Imai as a solid mid-rotation option for 2026, with potential to be a mid-round steal in fantasy baseball drafts. Checkout Solipillow.com

Alex Bregman, the All-Star third baseman, has signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, marking the highest average annual salary the team has ever paid a player. Bregman opted out of his contract with the Boston Red Sox after one season, and this new deal will pay him $35.8 million per year. The Cubs have shown interest in Houston Astros players before, and Bregmans signing follows their acquisition of outfielder Kyle Tucker last offseason. Bregman, who hit .273 with 18 home runs and an .802 OPS in 2022, will join a Cubs team that finished 89-73 last season but lost in the NLDS. Checkout Solipillow.com

The Houston Astros secured deals with nine out of eleven eligible players ahead of the arbitration deadline, avoiding hearings and securing one-year contracts for the 2026 season. Standout agreements include Jeremy Peña, Hunter Brown, and Bryan Abreu, who saw significant salary increases. However, infielder Isaac Paredes and catcher Yainer Díaz did not agree to terms and will head to hearings in February. Overall, the Astros cleared most hurdles, freeing up the front office to chase free agents and trades as spring training nears. Checkout Solipillow.com

The New York Yankees have added veteran reliever Kaleb Ort to their bullpen, claiming him off waivers from the Houston Astros. Ort, a right-hander, had a career-best season in 2021 but struggled this year before being designated for assignment. The Yankees acquire him without giving up prospects, and fans are excited about this low-risk addition. Checkout Solipillow.com

The Houston Astros face a tough decision regarding their beloved pitcher, Lance McCullers Junior, who has been sidelined by injuries. Despite his heroic contributions to two World Series wins, including a memorable performance in the 2017 ALCS, his future as a top starter is uncertain. With better options available and a significant contract remaining, the team must decide whether to release him, keep him as a long reliever, or label him with minor shoulder discomfort to keep the roster spot open. The teams loyalty to McCullers clashes with the need to compete now, making the decision even more challenging. Checkout Solipillow.com

Hunter Brown, Houston Astros top pitcher, secures a one-year deal worth $5.7 million for the 2026 season, avoiding arbitration and ensuring cost certainty. This agreement comes after Browns breakout year in 2025, where he finished third in AL Cy Young voting. The deal also grants the Astros an extra draft pick and adds depth to their pitching staff with the signing of Tatsuya Imai. Checkout Solipillow.com

The Houston Astros avoided arbitration hearings by signing deals with seven of their eligible players on January 8, 2026. Shortstop Jeremy Peña and right-hander Hunter Brown received significant raises, while relievers Steven Okert, Bennett Sousa, and outfielder Jesús Sánchez also secured new contracts. Center fielder Jake Meyers and right-hander Hayden Wesneski agreed to their deals as well. The team still needs to reach agreements with infielders Isaac Paredes, Nick Allen, and catcher Yainer Diaz, as well as reliever Bryan Abreu. Checkout Solipillow.com