MLB Rumors: 3 Houston Astros Who Won't Be Back in 2026

The Houston Astros had a collapse down the stretch that was very un-Astros like. They missed the postseason for the first time in nine years, ending an incredible run. 

But clearly, plenty of changes are in store for Houston now that they're heading home earlier than at any time since 2016. 

Let's have a look at 3 Astros who won't be back in 2026.

Framber Valdez

The top-end starter is likely to be finding a higher bidder on the free agent market. We looked at a couple of prime suitors for his services. The 31-year-old Dominican lefty had another solid season for Houston, with a 3.66 ERA, following a 2.91 ERA in 2024, and two All-Star seasons before that. He's been a very consistent top-end of the rotation arm since becoming a full-time starter five years ago. 

Sportrac projects him landing a six-year deal worth $200 million. But the Astros don't make a habit of offering top dollar for their own free agents (see Springer, George; Correa, Carlos; Bregman, Alex; Tucker, Kyle). That's unlikely to change this winter. 

Lance McCullers Jr.

The 32-year-old has had his career ravaged by injuries. His comeback this season after almost three years out of the game did not go well. He posted a 6.51 ERA in 16 appearances (13 starts). With one year left on his deal at $17.7 million, the 'Stros might be better off moving on from McCullers, if they could possibly find another team to take on that contract. 

Christian Walker

Another failed first base experiment by the Astros. Walker had the worst full season of his career, with a .238 average and .717 OPS. He still brought power, with 27 homers, but the peripherals weren't encouraging for the 34-year-old. 

With Isaac Parades coming back into the infield mix next year, they'll need to find a spot for both Parades and Carlos Correa, and first base seems like a good option. With two years left on Walker's deal at $20M a season, they could try to see if there are any takers on the trade market to open up that infield logjam.

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