The first week of the offseason is almost always reserved for housecleaning items, as teams and players finalize their decision for any 2026 contract options. The Houston Astros are mostly spared from that drama, as the biggest piece of news this week has been Framber Valdez declaring his free agent status.
Valdez, along with the other players with expiring contracts, can sign with a new team as early as Thursday. A handful of players will be added to the free-agent class this week, and that could open new avenues for the Houston Astros to improve their roster this offseason.