MLB insider says Astros dark horse for big bat, clock ticking for Hunter Brown
HOT STOVE
06 January
More moves could be on the horizon for Houston. Composite Getty Image.
Most Astros fans have come to terms with how the team is taking shape for the 2025 season. We've heard reports that the club is looking to avoid the competitive balance tax this year, which means Christian Walker is the only big piece joining Houston through free agency.
But according to a recent report from MLB insider Hector Gomez, the 'Stros may have another big move in the works.
#Astros are the biggest threats for the #BlueJays in Anthony Santander sweepstakes while #Angels have offered similar offer than the Jays. https://t.co/OnX2XBZG9h
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) January 3, 2025
Certainly, signing Anthony Santander would force the Astros to pay the competitive balance tax once again. Something we didn't believe they would entertain. But we all thought the same thing last year until the club shocked the world by signing Josh Hader to a 5-year, $95 million contract.
The fit makes a lot of sense, considering how bad the outfield projects to be this season. And the reported contract offer, is basically the same deal Houston signed Walker to, but with one additional year at about $20 million. So who knows, maybe the Astros have one big move left in them.
Scott Boras strikes again?
The Athletic's Chandler Rome shared some insight on how contract negotiations could play out with Hunter Brown, who's represented by Boras.
Rome made the case that Houston may have already missed the window to strike a deal with Brown, similar to the contract Cristian Javier signed with the club before the 2023 season.
Rome made an interesting point when he said players don't typically hire an agent like Boras just to negotiate a deal that buys up arbitration years.
Which is pretty wild to think about considering Brown only has one good season under his belt. Javier was a more proven player when he inked his extension, and that deal hasn't aged well, with Javier regressing in 2024 before having season-ending Tommy John surgery.
If Rome is correct and Brown is looking to hit the open market, it's not the end of the world. He's under team control for the next four years. However, one thing is for certain, the Astros will be counting on Brown and Javier to anchor this rotation moving forward after Framber Valdez likely leaves after the 2025 season.
If Dana Brown can't strike a deal with Brown, perhaps Yainer Diaz could be an option. He's on the same timeline as Brown when it comes to reaching free agency. Hopefully, he doesn't hire Boras anytime soon.
Finally, why are we still hearing rumblings about Alex Bregman being connected to the Astros? NorthJersey.com's Pete Caldera is predicting Bregman will sign a $175 million deal with the 'Stros.
And what's with this recent post from former Astros front office member Reggie Jackson?
Good Luck Astros with signing Alex Bregman. He’s a very important piece. He’s an Astro thru and thru. He’s a baseball player all the way.
— Reggie Jackson (@mroctober) January 4, 2025
It's technically possible the Astros could bring back Bregman and trade Isaac Paredes, but we're not counting on it.
Plus, we've heard reports about the Astros looking to dump Ryan Pressly's salary. But would the club be better off waiting until the trade deadline to do so?
Don't miss the video above as we break it all down!
The Houston Texans enter the 2025 season with momentum, expectations, and no shortage of spotlight games. A 9.5-win total in Vegas reflects growing national respect—but also pressure to deliver.
Hot start, big stage
Houston opens with a tough but marquee road test in Los Angeles against the Rams before returning to NRG for a Monday Night Football showdown against the Buccaneers.
Division duels define the path
As always, the AFC South is crucial. Houston faces five division games from Week 3 to Week 13, including a big Jaguars rematch in Week 10. If Trevor Lawrence takes the leap, and his top targets Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter live up to the hype, Jacksonville could be Houston’s biggest in-division threat. Still, with win totals sitting at 7.5 for both the Colts and Jaguars (and 5.5 for the Titans), the Texans have a clear path to control the South.
Midseason grind, late-season edge
The Week 6 bye comes at a smart spot, especially with brutal road games on the horizon: at Seahawks (MNF), home for the 49ers, and a revenge date in Baltimore—all within Weeks 5–8. The stretch from Week 12 to Week 14 (Bills, at Colts, at Chiefs) could define the Texans’ playoff seeding—or whether they make it at all.
But there’s hope in the home stretch. Three of their last four games are at NRG, where Houston has played its best football. If the team’s still in the hunt, hosting the Cardinals, Raiders, and potentially playing for the division title in Week 18 vs. the Colts is a favorable setup.
Key questions ahead
- Can Houston shake off last year’s road struggles? The trip to Kansas City, as well as cross-country flights to L.A., Seattle, and Baltimore, will test their resolve.
- Will they flip the script against NFC teams? Houston struggled in interconference matchups in 2024, and the 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks aren’t soft spots.
- Is C.J. Stroud ready for primetime pressure? Four national games—including two Mondays and a huge Sunday night at Arrowhead—give the Texans the stage. Now it’s about the performance.
Bottom Line:
The Texans’ 2025 schedule is packed with statement opportunities and divisional tests. There’s enough home cooking in December to fuel a playoff push—but Houston will have to prove it can handle the road, the spotlight, and the rising competition in its own backyard.
Offseason observations
The Texans made some calculated and intriguing moves this offseason, especially on offense. They added dynamic weapons in WRs Christian Kirk, Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins, along with RB Woody Marks, who profiles as the best receiving back in the draft—likely influenced by the Patriots’ historical use of third-down specialists like James White and Shane Vereen. OC Nick Caley, OL Coach Cole Popovich, and GM Nick Caserio all have a history with the Pats.
Protecting C.J. Stroud remains a clear priority too, as the Texans added OT Aireontae Ursery in the draft and created a true open competition on the offensive line through free agency, featuring a deep group.
One of the most notable moves recently was Higgins’ fully guaranteed four-year, $11.7 million deal—a rarity for non-first-rounders. That level of commitment from Caserio signals strong conviction in both Higgins’ talent and character. It also hints that Houston may have considered him with their original 25th overall pick before trading back. With Patriots alumni like Caley and Popovich now on staff, and Caserio pulling the strings, it’s clear the Texans are building a system that blends New England and Rams discipline with Houston’s new-wave of offensive firepower.
We have so much more to discuss. Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
*ChatGPT assisted.
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