[xepicx2729]

Roster Evaluation:

Starters:
1. Rafael "Cappy" García, Puerto Rico, 26, R
Cy Young and Rookie of the year at the age of 21-22. Had the worst year of his career with KC (who he was with for his whole career) and signs for ~16 mil per year over 4 years with the Stros.
2. Brendon Olson, USA, 31, R
Comes to the Astros for a new beginning, after a few years of struggle with the Reds. His changeup is straight up nasty. Hopefuly can perform in the AL. 1 year deal under 2 mil.
3. Kyle T. Austin, USA, 34, R
The only starter who returns to the rotation this year. Making ~8 mil, which, sadly, is too much. Will be moved if possible.
4. A.J. Cole, USA, 35, R
Another piece I'd like to move due to age. Might package him with Austin, though not entirely sure, especially after some not-so great recent years.
5. Ramón González, USA, 28 (29 in one day), R
Acquired this Opening Day for Nate Jones (who was 41, yet still very good). Never cracked the Majors with the Orioles. Should be a good #5
Bullpen:

Middle Relief:
1. Kevin Comer, USA, 34, R
Starter at times, bullpen arm at others. An on and off pitcher who might get shipped out as we want a young team.
2. Tyler King, USA, 33, R
Same deal as Comer, but a year younger and not on arbitration but locked up for one more year. 2 years at ~5 mil isn't terrible, but I'd prefer if he was cheaper.
3. John "Fever" MacGruder, USA, 20, L
Only 20, and projected to start. Has control issues, for now. Stuff is insane for a starter (18/19). Primary southpaw.
4. Raúl Hernández, Dominican Republic, 26, L
The other lefty, won't get as many appearances as MacGruder. Average relief pitcher who will rack up some K's, not much more to say.

Setup:
1. Modesto Galván, USA, 21, R
A good, young, developing reliever, Second youngest on the Active Roster. I love his name too.
2. Jorge "Blitz" Velázquez, Chile, 23, R
6th starter, got moved to bullpen due to Jones trade, good piece anywhere you stick him. Should be a star reliever (on this team at least).

Closer:
1. Mark Montgomery, USA, 36, R
Most likely will be moved. Doesn't even expect to be the closer. Has had an astronomically high ERA for a closer (above 4.5) last year.

Position Players:

Catchers:
C Ken Ward, USA, 26, R/R
Backed up last year, will start this year. High contact hitter, and has some pop too. Hopefully will hit 15 dingers and bat .280
C/1B Bobby Evans, USA, 22, L/R
Was a great starter last year, and he will get the occasional start at both C and 1B this year. Good speed for these positions as well.

Corner Infielders:
1B/3B Freddie Freeman, USA, 37, L/R
Signed to a one year deal to start at first. Drastically fell off with other teams. Hopefully can rebound well with us.
1B/3B António Deleón, USA, 32, R/R
Another free agency acquisition, and he will start at 3rd. Had a very poor 2026 season. Hopeful rebound.
3B Colin Moran, USA, 34, L/R
Starting DH, on the brink of HoF consideration. Was an All-Star the past 2 seasons, and 3 before then.

Middle Infielders:
2B/3B/SS Jorge Mateo, Dominican Republic, 31, R/R
Free agent signing, will start at 2B. Barely played in 2026. Will be a good starter if he can keep up his production.
2B/LF León Perales, USA, 31, R/R
Backup at both 2B and LF. Another one of the new guys. Might make a few starts.
2B/3B/SS Qu-bing Liu, Canada, 21, L/R
Super quick youngster who performed well in limited time. Won't amount to anything substantial besides starter.
SS Anthony Miller, USA, 27, R/R
Good player, started games and performed. Will start for Liu some times.

Outfielders:
LF/RF Jorge Garcia, USA, 27, R/R
Has been a complete stud the past 3 years. Not very expensive either. A great player.
LF/CF/RF Isei Matsumoto, Japan, 26, R/R
Nothing more than an average backup outfielder.
LF/CF/RF John Reardon, Canada, 26, R/R
Acquired from the Angels mid-2026 for Springer (who is now 37), will start in CF. Good, well-rounded player.
LF/RF Carlos Pérez, Cuba, 30, L/L
Very fast outfielder who we signed. Hasn't been a full-time starter in a while. Making 1.08 mil.