Astros Roster Moves: J.P. France Stays Put, Jack Winkler Joins the Fold, and Jose Urquidy Heads to Pittsburgh
The Houston Astros made a few under-the-radar roster moves this week, and while none are headline-grabbers on their own, they each carry some weight as the team gears up for spring training.
Let’s start with J.P. France, who’s sticking around - just not on the 40-man roster.
After being designated for assignment following the trade for Kai-Wei Teng, France cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Sugar Land. That’s a win for the Astros, who keep a familiar arm in the system without sacrificing a roster spot.
Even better news for France: he’s received a non-roster invite to spring training. That gives him a chance to show he’s still got something to offer as the Astros sort through their pitching depth heading into the season.
France has made 31 big league appearances - 28 of them starts - and owns a career ERA of 4.35. Injuries limited him to just two games last season, but when healthy, he’s shown the ability to eat innings and compete.
The big question now is how the Astros will use him. While he’s primarily been a starter in the past, his profile could fit nicely in a long relief role, especially if the rotation stays healthy. Either way, he’s back in camp with a shot to reestablish himself - and that’s all a player in his position can ask for.
New Face in Sugar Land: Jack Winkler Signs with Astros
On the position player side, Houston added some infield depth by signing former Marlins prospect Jack Winkler. He’s been assigned to Triple-A Sugar Land and is expected to get a non-roster invite to spring training as well.
Winkler’s 2025 season was a limited sample - just 14 games - but he hit .250 with a .625 OPS and a couple of extra-base hits. He’s not a top-tier prospect, but he brings versatility and could be a useful depth piece if he shows well in camp. For a team like Houston that’s always looking to round out its bench and organizational depth, moves like this are about finding potential diamonds in the rough.
Jose Urquidy Finds a New Home in Pittsburgh
Meanwhile, a familiar face is officially moving on. Jose Urquidy, who last pitched for the Astros in 2023, has signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Urquidy missed the entire 2024 season due to injury and made just two relief appearances with the Tigers last year, struggling to a 7.71 ERA across 2⅓ innings.
It’s a fresh start for Urquidy, who was once a key contributor in Houston’s rotation. He was part of some big postseason moments during his time with the Astros, and while injuries have taken their toll, the Pirates are clearly hoping he can bounce back and provide some veteran presence on a young staff.
Interestingly, Pittsburgh had also been linked to Framber Valdez before he signed a three-year deal with Detroit, so the Pirates are clearly in the market for experienced arms. Urquidy might not be the same pitcher he was a few years ago, but if he can stay healthy, there’s still value in that arm.
Looking Ahead
With spring training just around the corner, these moves reflect a broader theme for the Astros: building depth and keeping options open. France’s return gives them another arm to evaluate, Winkler adds some versatility to the infield mix, and Urquidy’s departure closes the book on one chapter while opening another - just not in Houston.
The Astros’ core remains intact, but as always, it’s the margins of the roster where surprises emerge. And with a few more weeks until camp opens, don’t be surprised if more moves like these are on the way.