MLB insider reveals two needs Astros will address this offseason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Houston Astros are heading into an interesting offseason. After an active trade deadline, the 2025-2026 offseason is looking like it'll be a less active one.

A run of eight consecutive seasons of playoff berths -- including four pennants and the first two World Series titles in franchise history -- ended for the Houston Astros in 2025. They went 87-75, missing the postseason by a tiebreaker after finishing with an identical record to the Tigers,

Think of the Astros' back end of the rotation as an open audition right now. Ullola, despite his inexperience, is a promising candidate, with an electric fastball and 131 strikeouts in 113 2/3 innings last season at Triple-A. If he impresses in Spring Training, his big-league debut could come sooner than expected this spring.

Houston protected Jose Fleury, Alimber Santa, and most importantly, Miguel Ullola. Ullola is one of the top five prospects in the Astros system and is considered their best pitching prospect. It was essential that Houston hold on to him with the departure of Framber Valdez and loss of depth.

Coming aboard are a former left-handed Houston Astros pitcher and a former infielder in the Cleveland and Milwaukee systems. The moves were reported by beat reporter Marc Topkin. The Rays have signed LHP John Rooney and IF Raynel Delgao to minor league contracts with invites to big league spring training.

A day after being traded, Astros fan favorite Mauricio Dubón posted a heartfelt message to Houston and his teammates.

The Houston Astros had a disappointing season in 2025. Dealing with injuries and inconsistencies on the offensive side, they couldn't put it all together to mak