Complete list of Astros 2026-27 free agents and their outlook

The Milwaukee Brewers are World Series champions, meaning the Major League Baseball is officially underway. Outside of the Los Angeles Angels, who'll have new ownership, a new GM, and a new skipper in 2027, no team is undergoing more changes than the Houston Astros this offseason.

After relieving Dana Brown of his duties earlier this year and recently parting ways with manager Joe Espada, Astros owner Jim Crane is reassembling the organization's leadership top-to-bottom with an eye toward a quick return to the postseason.

Houston's roster will look a lot different in 2027, and it starts with the departure of several free agents. The Astros have six free agents and one player with a critical contract decision. Which players are ticketed to leave H-Town this winter? Will any of them return?

Complete list of Astros 2026-27 free agents that includes a curious contract dilemma

Dalton Varsho, outfielder

Dalton Varsho was a late-addition to the Astros roster this past season; picked up at the trade deadline in exchange for Spencer Arrighetti. Varsho struggled after arriving in Houston, and his season was cut short after landing on the IL following wrist surgery. While there are certainly questions in the Astros' outfield heading into 2027, it's difficult to see Varsho returning next season.

Bryan Abreu, pitcher

Bryan Abreu had an up-and-down season in 2026, but his overall numbers certainly improved after the All-Star break (1.71 ERA, 3.00 FIP, and 11.37 K/9). The door is still open for Abreu to rejoin the Astros this winter, but his salary demands and the market for relief pitching will likely push the fireballer outside of Houston's comfort zone.

Steven Okert, pitcher

If there's one player on this list the Astros should look to re-sign, it's Steven Okert. The southpaw has been an absolute workhorse out of the Houston bullpen the past two seasons. He made 68 appearances in 2025 and 2026 while covering nearly 140 innings combined and limiting walks (6.1% BB rate). Okert has a collective 2.58 ERA over the past two seasons, and at 35 years old, shouldn't cost an arm and leg in free agency.

LaMonte Wade Jr., infielder/outfielder

Another midseason pick-up for Houston, LaMonte Wade Jr. gave the Astros little to nothing in 2026. Over 56 games, he hit just .205/.308/.346 with four home runs and 19 RBI. There's no reason for Houston to consider a reunion in 2027.

Enyel De Los Santos, pitcher

Enyel De Los Santos is a curious case. He answered the bell in 2026 — 66 appearances and 71⅓ innings pitched — but the results were mixed. He posted a 4.79 ERA with a 4.11 FIP, but kept the free passes to a minimum (6.6% BB rate). This was the fourth straight season De Los Santos crossed 60 innings of work, and that's certainly something every team values. It remains to be seen, however, whether the new Astros' regime sees the right-hander as a viable fit.

Christian Vasquez, catcher

Christian Vazquez gave the Astros exactly what they expected in 2026; an above-average mitt behind the plate and a below-average stick in the batter's box. He was a late-addition to the Astros roster this past spring, and if Houston has any desire to reunite with the veteran in 2027, expect such a deal to come shortly before the season gets underway.

Tatsuya Imai, pitcher (player opt-out)

The biggest decision the Astros are waiting on this offseason does not reside in the front office, but with last year's most significant free-agent signing. Tatsuya Imai signed a three-year, $54 million contract last offseason, but has an opt out after this season and next. The results were nowhere close to what anyone expected. The right-hander went 6-4 with an ERA just 5.00 and struggled to find the strike zone (5.99 BB/9).

Though Imai certainly had his share of struggles adjusting to life in MLB (and the United States), it's difficult to see him turning down guaranteed money. Look for Imai to forgo the opt-out clause in his contract, but don't be surprised if the Astros then shop him later this winter.

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