Much to the disappointment of fans everywhere, the Houston Astros’ 2025 season flopped in a head-to-head tiebreaker for the first time in nearly a decade, as Houston failed to make the playoffs after eight consecutive appearances.

What started as another promising season with high expectations for both veterans and rising stars ended in the team ultimately falling apart in its final series against Detroit. It was almost like the universe was working against them this time around-a plague of injuries and, as the franchise saw it, blatant failures by the coaching staff and trainers. 

Now, with the dust of disappointment settling, the spotlight is on the front office to turn it all around. However they decide to play it, the moves the staff makes this offseason will determine the fate of the Astros in 2026 and beyond.

After 2025’s major loss in momentum, the front office declined to renew contracts with several long-tenured coaches. Will we see a full rebuild, or just a reset? Either way, roster shifts are coming.

Fans and critics have their eyes on two key players who are hitting free agency this offseason: starting pitcher Framber Valdez and backup catcher Victor Caratini.

Valdez has been with the team for all of those consecutive playoff seasons, anchoring the pitching staff throughout the streak. He signed with the Astros as an international free agent in 2015 and later made his MLB debut in 2018. 

Earning two All-Star selections along the way, Valdez played a vital role carrying the Astros to a World Series Championship title in 2022. The following year, Valdez made headlines once again, pitching a no-hitter on August 1, 2023 against the Cleveland Guardians.

If you break down 2025, this is where he stood:

Overall 2025 season performance:

Record: 13-11 ERA: 3.66 Innings: 192 Strikeouts: 187 WHIP: 1.24

Valdez struggled late in the season but finished 2025 strong. Overall, not a guy Houston wants to lose. 

Caratini has been in Houston since 2023, but made his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs back in 2017. Known for his versatility, he’s officially the backup catcher but has also appeared regularly at first base and as a designated hitter. 

Caratini has proven reliable under those high-pressure situations. Again, not someone the Astros should be eager to let walk.

Now it’s time to turn to the offseason. With major changes already made to the coaching staff and potential trades looming, the big question remains: will the Astros tear it down and start fresh or simply recalibrate while holding on to key veterans like Valdez and Caratini?

To us, it doesn’t seem like a tough choice if they want to be a playoff contender in 2026, but budget constraints and an unpredictable winter could still surprise us all.