What the Astros’ Next General Manager Could Do First This Offseason

The Houston Astros are looking for a new general manager after parting ways with former GM Dana Brown back in August. The interview process has begun, with candidates including Mike Rizzo, per USA Today.

The Astros are in a transition phase after parting ways with Dana Brown, Joe Espada, and a few other coaches. Finding the right general manager is an important piece of the puzzle.

Despite making it to the postseason, the Astros have some work to do. The incoming general manager has his work cut out for him, with questions to answer and problems to solve.

1. Settle the Infield

One of the biggest questions to answer is how to navigate this crowded infield. With all the talent, giving each of these players the playing time they deserve will be tricky. Figuring out where everyone fits will be huge for this team’s success. That means figuring out where Carlos Correa fits after returning from ankle surgery and whether to trade Christian Walker. Finances will likely also play a role in the decision. Isaac Paredes has a $13.35 million club option, and Walker is owed $20 million in 2027. With Walker being older and costing more, it will be interesting to see what the new GM decides to do with the situation.

2. Add Rotation Depth

The Astros spent a large part of the past season attempting to beef up their pitching staff, and it didn’t really pay off. Their most anticipated addition, Tatsuya Imai, really struggled, and a small handful of pitchers were left to carry the rotation. Injuries also hit their rotation early on, and they lost their ace for a good part of the first half of the season. That is not to undermine some of the outstanding performances from Peter Lambert and Hunter Brown. Their staff needs some new arms and some work. The Astros used a club-record 19 starting pitchers. They managed to wear out their best arms and set a record for the most starting pitchers used. That is something that just cannot happen again.

3. Rebuild the Bullpen Behind Hader

The bullpen will also need some attention after the ups and downs of the 2026 season. The Astros were without their clutch closer, Josh Hader, who was sidelined with left biceps tendinitis. Bryan Abreu stepped into the closer role, but he struggled to deliver the same level of consistency that Hader brought to the mound.

Hader might be excellent, but he can’t do it alone. They really need another clutch reliever like Hader.

Abreu and Steven Okert are pending free agents, Hader is signed through 2028, and the tender deadline is November 20. Decisions need to be made for the 2027 season, but also for the bullpen’s near future.

It is hard to say whether the rotation or the infield should take precedence. But with the chance to free up some money to put toward a stronger rotation, figuring out the crowded infield should be the first priority.