Astros Must Act Quickly to Address Roster Holes

Astros GM Dana Brown faces pressure to make trades and signings to bolster the team's catching and pitching depth.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:07pm

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The Houston Astros are not finished making moves this offseason, according to this analysis. The team's catching situation and lack of left-handed starting pitching depth are two major concerns that GM Dana Brown needs to address through trades and free agent signings before spring training. The article argues the Astros can't afford to stand pat and risk their championship window closing sooner than expected.

Why it matters

The Astros are coming off another successful season and are aiming to make another deep playoff run. However, their current roster has some glaring weaknesses that could undermine their chances if not addressed. Improving the catching position and adding left-handed starting pitching depth are crucial for the Astros to remain an elite team in the American League.

The details

The article highlights two key issues the Astros need to fix: the catching situation and the lack of left-handed starting pitching. The team lost reliable backup catcher Victor Caratini in free agency, leaving them with unproven options behind starter Yainer Díaz. The rotation also lacks left-handed depth, with only Colton Gordon as the lone southpaw. The Astros will need to find veteran options at both positions through trades and free agency to shore up these weaknesses.

  • The Astros' FanFest event has already passed, signaling the team needs to act quickly before spring training begins.
  • The Super Bowl is still dominating the sports calendar, giving the Astros a window to make moves before the focus shifts to baseball.

The players

Dana Brown

The general manager of the Houston Astros who is tasked with addressing the team's roster needs this offseason.

Yainer Díaz

The Astros' projected starting catcher for the 2023 season.

Colton Gordon

The lone left-handed starting pitcher currently on the Astros' roster.

Victor Caratini

The reliable backup catcher the Astros lost in free agency, leaving a hole in their catching depth.

César Salazar

The Astros' current backup catcher option, who is expected to have a hard time replicating Caratini's production.

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What they’re saying

“If the Astros genuinely believe they can make another run at a World Series, Dana Brown has a lot more work to do. And no amount of optimism, prospect hype, or internal faith should change that reality.”

— Joel Blank, Author

“Expecting César Salazar to replicate that is wishful thinking at best. This isn't a knock on Salazar, who is serviceable behind the dish, it's an acknowledgment of reality. Caratini was a luxury Houston leaned on heavily, and now that safety net is gone.”

— Joel Blank, Author

“There's no cavalry coming from the farm system, either. No left-handed starter is knocking on the door ready to provide depth. That means the responsibility lands squarely on Dana Brown to find solutions, preferably plural, not just hope the rotation stays healthy and everything goes 'all right.'”

— Joel Blank, Author

What’s next

The Astros will need to act quickly to address their roster weaknesses through trades and free agent signings before spring training begins.

The takeaway

The Astros can't afford to be complacent this offseason if they want to maintain their championship window. GM Dana Brown must be proactive in finding solutions to bolster the team's catching depth and left-handed pitching options to ensure the Astros remain an elite team in the American League.