The Houston Astros are heading into a pivotal offseason, and the front office knows it. With Framber Valdez hitting free agency, the team finds itself in the market for a starting pitcher-but doing so won’t be as simple as opening the checkbook. Houston’s payroll is tight, and unless something changes, they’ll need to get creative to fill that rotation spot.
They’ve already started clearing some space. Chas McCormick and Luis Garcia were waived, and Mauricio Dubón was recently dealt straight-up for infielder Nick Allen. These aren’t blockbuster moves, but they’re the kind of budget-conscious decisions that suggest something bigger might be coming-and that could include another trade.
One name that keeps surfacing in trade chatter? Jake Meyers.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Meyers is among the players most likely to be moved this winter. And he’s not alone in that assessment-The Athletic has also pointed to Meyers as a potential trade candidate.
It makes sense. Houston has some depth in the outfield, which is part of the reason McCormick was let go in the first place.
If the Astros are looking to deal from a position of strength, Meyers could be the next to go.
There’s definitely a market for him. Teams like the Phillies and Mets are in the hunt for outfield help, and Meyers fits the mold of a player who could quietly make a big impact. He’s not a slugger, and he’s not going to headline a lineup, but his value lies in the details-contact hitting, speed, and defense.
Despite battling a calf injury in 2025, Meyers still managed to suit up for 104 games. He posted a .292 batting average with a .354 on-base percentage and a .373 slugging mark. He chipped in three home runs and drove in 24 runs-not eye-popping numbers, but solid production for a player who wasn’t at 100%.
What really sets Meyers apart is his glove. He’s a strong defensive outfielder with the kind of range that can erase extra-base hits in the gap. Add in his speed on the basepaths, and you’ve got a player who can quietly tilt a game in your favor, even if he’s not lighting up the scoreboard.
The Astros are in a bit of a bind-trying to stay competitive while managing a tight budget-but moving Meyers could help them address their most pressing need: starting pitching. It’s not an easy decision, especially when you’re dealing with a young, controllable player who brings value on both sides of the ball. But if Houston wants to stay in the mix in 2026, tough choices might be the only way forward.