Astros AVOID arbitration with MOST players, strikeout with 2 players

The Astros wrapped up most of their arbitration business before the deadline — including a key agreement with Bryan Abreu — but two notable names are still headed toward arbitration.
In this episode of Locked On Astros, we break down:
Which Astros avoided arbitration, and how did their final salaries compare to MLB Trade Rumors’ projections?
The biggest surprises from deadline day, including Jeremy Peña’s significant raise and Houston saving money with several depth pieces.
Why Bryan Abreu reaching an agreement matters for bullpen stability.
What it means for Isaac Paredes and Yainer Díaz to remain unsigned as they head toward arbitration hearings.
How the arbitration process works and what comes next as February approaches.
With only Paredes and Díaz left unresolved, we discuss the financial, roster, and clubhouse implications — and whether Houston will ultimately settle before hearings begin.
🎧 Subscribe for daily Astros coverage, roster breakdowns, and offseason analysis.

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04:18 Spring Training Roster Battles

08:01 “Unexpected Player Salary Highlights”

14:36 “Mike Stanton’s Arbitration Struggles”

19:36 Player-Club Tension and Compromise

24:08 Tigers Arbitration Tactics Exposed

30:15 “Healthy Lineup Sparks Contention”

31:31 Christian Walker’s Trade Value Analysis
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15 comments

  1. Im confused why we cant make this work, last year we had no problem putting Altuve in Left and Correa to 3rd but now this year its not allowed, I feel like Parades if needed could play left, 2nd or DH and switch them out, some games Yordan played left and DH and Altuve did too, plus if we didnt see it enough last year, someone WILL get injured so were gonna wish we had Parades back if we trade him for nothing, my point is that hes one of our most valuable offensive players and we need to make this work.

  5. Tarik better get 32 milllion if not thats bs lol.I would think it's a pretty easy argument to win when you say "I was the cy young award winner back to back in the A.L"If they kept Dubon he could have been the backup catcher lol.

  6. Realistically they could trade Diaz or Paredes and if they trade Diaz resign Caratini and just get another catcher.Diaz can't throw a runner out stealing to save his life and his hitting wasn't the best either.

  7. Can't believe Astros gave Jesús Sánchez (second year ARB): $6.8 million. He had a terrible 2025 season with the Astros and now will be harder to trade with that money he does not deserve. Why does Dana Brown insist on looking so bad when it comes to analyzing Sánchez and his abilities?

  10. they should have never got Correa… WASTE OF MONEY… PAY PAREDES,, PUT HIM AT THIRD and if you want a major league Pitcher and Left handed Hitter… then Trade Pena for a TON put Correa at short… and honestly? I would even be thinking about trading Diaz… we should have never let our best catcher walk.

  11. There is NO Log Jam. Astros CAN make it work! Here are all the unique lineups.

    Lineup A
    1B: Christian Walker
    2B: Jose Altuve
    3B: Carlos Correa
    SS: Jeremy Pena
    LF: Yordan Alvarez
    DH: Isaac Paredes

    Lineup B
    1B: Christian Walker
    2B: Jose Altuve
    3B: Isaac Paredes
    SS: Jeremy Pena
    LF: Yordan Alvarez
    DH: Carlos Correa

    Lineup C
    1B: Christian Walker
    2B: Jose Altuve
    3B: Isaac Paredes
    SS: Carlos Correa
    LF: Yordan Alvarez
    DH: Jeremy Pena

    Lineup D
    1B: Christian Walker
    2B: Isaac Paredes
    3B: Carlos Correa
    SS: Jeremy Pena
    LF: Jose Altuve
    DH: Yordan Alvarez

    Lineup E
    1B: Christian Walker
    2B: Isaac Paredes
    3B: Carlos Correa
    SS: Jeremy Pena
    LF: Yordan Alvarez
    DH: Jose Altuve

    Lineup F
    1B: Isaac Paredes
    2B: Jose Altuve
    3B: Carlos Correa
    SS: Jeremy Pena
    LF: Yordan Alvarez
    DH: Christian Walker

    Now that we have the lineup combinations we can determine how many games at each position per player.

  12. Last season is an example of why we shouldn’t trade anyone due to injury in Spring Training. Good to have depth and a backup plan. If our manager can’t figure out how to use this roster properly then he shouldn’t be our manager.

  13. It appears Dusty was right about Diaz. If we trade anyone for bullpen help he is the guy. Resign Caratini (start him), trade Diaz and sign a legit defensive minded catcher to be the backup.

  15. Walker hit 27 homers in an off year that saw him strike out 177 times. He hit .238 this isnt far off his typical .250 average , he is a glove man with power. He will hit 30+ homeruns this year and I expect to see his average up a tick.
    He is still the player they picked up, i feel like there are these expectations he was going to be an astro at 34 yo and be a standout star like never before. Why? We got the player we paid for.

    As far as Correa, having Correa is not a bad thing. I mean if you told me last year we would be looking at these problems I would be thrilled. Oh no , we have to much talent! LOL At the rate Astros get hurt Id say we are right were we need to be.

    Sure, without Correa things are easier to figure out when your putting a lineup together. Same could be said for Walker, they could take Pena and trade him for elite pitching or a true all star outfielder. I hope they dont.
    Parades isnt going anywhere, he will play DH and 2nd when Altuve isnt on 2nd. Maybe he could see time in LF , cant be worse than Altuve but I think Yordan is your LF and sees more AB's out in LF than in any other year. Even if walker gets traded.

    Either way this is gonna be a solid team that can withstand injuries. Better than last year . Lets ball! Go Astros!

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