The Houston Astros announced on Thursday that they have avoided salary arbitration and agreed to 2025 salaries for eight players.
RHP Bryan Abreu, IF/OF Mauricio Dubón, RHP Luis Garcia, OF Chas McCormick, OF Jake Meyers, IF Isaac Paredes, SS Jeremy Peña and LHP Framber Valdez will all return to the team without the need for an arbiter to intervene.
Abreu has emerged as one of the best setup relievers in baseball. In 2022 and 2023, he posted an ERA of under 2.00. Last season, his ERA was 3.10.
Dubon has been the epitome of a utility man for the Astros since 2022. He has played all four infield spots and all three outfield spots during his time with Houston.
Garcia has been an important part of the Houston rotation since 2020. However, he missed most of last season with an injury. The Astros hope to get him back at some point in 2025.
McCormick had a breakout year in 2023, helping Houston to their second World Series title. While he struggled in 2024, the Astros have hope that he can return to form this season.
Meyers roams center field as one of the better defensive outfielders in the big leagues. He will likely factor into the Astros’ outfield plans this season.
Paredes was acquired in the Kyle Tucker trade that the Astros executed earlier this offseason. The corner infielder should factor in at third base, assuming Houston doesn’t make another big move at that position moving forward.
Pena made a name for himself during the 2022 playoff run as a rookie. He has started at shortstop for Houston since that season, and is looking to bounce back with a better offensive year in 2025.
Lastly, Valdez has been one of the more reliable starting pitchers for Houston since he arrived in 2018. Coming off of a season where he had a 2.91 ERA, the Astros will once again rely on the left-hander in 2025.
The Houston Astros begin the 2025 season in the newly renamed Daikin Park on Thursday, March 27th against the New York Mets. You can listen to Astros baseball on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette 104.1 Lake Charles.