It’s interesting that despite having almost identical seasons, the Tigers and Astros ended up in very different spots in the standings. Reportedly, both finished with an 87-75 record, but while the Tigers punched their ticket to the playoffs, the Astros just missed out. The reason? The Tigers clinched that final, coveted wild card spot thanks to their 4-2 record against Houston during the regular season.

So even though it’s surprising that this is the first time in nine years that Houston won’t be in the MLB postseason, they now turn their attention to rest and recovery during the offseason. And fans might be in for a surprise coming up! Something related to their manager!

“A.J. Hinch is expected to receive an extension with the Tigers. However, if the Astros’ managerial position becomes available, Houston could consider reaching out.” SleeperAstros quoted MLB insider Bob Nightengale.

Yes, Hinch is again being rumored with the Astros.

Hinch managed the Astros from 2015 to 2019, leading them to a 481-329 record, 2x AL titles, and a World Series championship. Of course, his tenure ended amid the sign-stealing scandal, which has definitely made fans and analysts view those accomplishments differently.

And then his tenure with the Tigers started in 2021, taking over a team that had been at the bottom of their division for a couple of years. Now, five years later, he’s got Detroit in the postseason for the second straight year.

Currently, with the Astros struggling in 2025, there’s talk that Houston might part ways with Joe Espada. And if that happens, some speculate they could reach out to Hinch.

But as Nightengale reports, Hinch is also in line for a contract extension with the Tigers this offseason. Hence, it remains to be seen whether the Astros could pull off what would be one of the biggest managerial poachings in recent memory.

The Astros are now trimming their lineups

Not only Espada, but the Astros’ 2026 lineup might see a few more trimmings of names.

First up is Framber Valdez, the most notable name on the list. He has been a steady force in Houston’s rotation, earning 2x All-Star nods and carrying a 3.36 career ERA across eight seasons. But now he’s heading into free agency at a time when frontline pitching is in huge demand. And as per Spotrac, Valdez’s value might be at just under $200 million over six years.

So, now the question is whether the Astros will be willing to make that kind of financial commitment.

Next comes Craig Kimbrel.

In his short stint, he posted a 2.45 ERA over 13 games. Thus, showing that he still has plenty left in the tank. However, at 37 years old, age is not on his side for Kimbrel. Hence, signing him means betting on an old guy to replicate that late-season effectiveness over a full year. And that’s always a gamble.

So, it’s almost certain that there would be some shuffling in the Astros lineup this offseason, and a new-look team might be underway.