Inside the Astros

Houston Astros News, Updates and Rumors Roundup

Here is all the latest Houston Astros news, updates, and rumors for you on Wednesday, Jan. 4.

Kade Kistner

Houston Astros News, Updates and Rumors Roundup
Houston Astros News, Updates and Rumors Roundup /
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The Houston Astros added outfield depth earlier this week when they added Bligh Madris from the Detroit Tigers. Madris was recently designated for assignment for the Tigers and the Astros offered cash considerations for the outfielder. 

Madris made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in July of the 2022 MLB season and made appearances in 39 games in which he slashed .177/.244/.265. He was then DFA'd, claimed by the Tampa Bay Rays, DFA'd again in September and eventually claimed by Detroit. Who then DFA'd him again. 

It's simply a depth move. 

We have talked about it extensively here, but it is starting to gain more coverage elsewhere: Houston needs help at catcher. 

The Astros are set to roll with Martín Maldonado as the main option behind the plate followed by some minor league options. Names we have seen thrown around out there are Gary Sanchez, Jorge Alfaro, and Roberto Perez. All have decent experience and would provide good cover for a year.

There is always the possibility of a trade, but the pickings are slim. . . 

What's going on with Yuli Gurriel? It seems the clubhouse and fan favorite player is having a hard time coming to an agreement with a team as he remains a free agent. 

There could be a role for Gurriel on Houston's roster, but Jose Abreu was signed earlier this winter to take his job. A bench role looks to be the only path forward for Gurriel if he wishes to remain with the Astros. 

Finally, MLB came out with their first power rankings ahead of the 2023 MLB season. These mean almost nothing considering teams have yet to solidify rosters, get to spring training, or even throw a single Big League pitch.

But, for what it's worth, they have ranked the Astros first.

More From SI's Inside The Astros:

  1. Could Mike Trout Request a Trade to the Houston Astros?
  2. Mariners Fans Inexplicably Outraged Following Houston Astros' Social Media Post About Sweep
  3. Report: Former Astros Pitcher Fiers' Contract Terminated By CPBL Club
  4. Six Houston Astros Declared Free Agents
  5. Watch: Yordan Álvarez's Home Run Wins Astros World Series
  6. Lucas Giolito Claims All Teams Were Cheating in 2017
  7. Dusty Baker Makes His Thoughts Known on Bonds and Judge Records
  8. Is it Time to Move on From the Houston Astros Cheating Scandal?
  9. Is There Any Hope for an Aging Yuli Gurriel?
  10. Astros' Álvarez Stopped Striking Out and Became the Best Hitter in Baseball

Make sure to follow Inside the Astros on Twitter @InsideAstrosSI!

Published
Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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