Infielder Kazuma Okamoto and pitcher Kona Takahashi are entering Major League Baseball’s posting system and will be available for teams to sign as free agents from Friday through Jan. 4. They join power-hitting corner infielder Munetaka Murakami, whose 45-day window to sign expires Dec. 22, and right-hander Tatsuya Imai, who can sign through Jan. 2. Okamoto hit .327 with 15 … [Read more...] about Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto, pitcher Kona Takahashi posted and can sign with MLB teams
Astros
Astros adding veteran catching coach Cossins to staff (source)
Astros Aiming To Stay Under Luxury Threshold
For a second straight offseason, Astros owner Jim Crane is “wary” of exceeding the luxury tax threshold, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Dipping under the tax line was a clear priority for Houston last offseason as well. This year’s first-tier luxury threshold lands at $244MM. Per RosterResource, the Astros are currently about $25MM shy of that mark. Their DFA of Ramon … [Read more...] about Astros Aiming To Stay Under Luxury Threshold
Jeff Passan says Astros fans might not recognize their rival by next week
The Houston Astros' division rival, the Texas Rangers, could look very different by the end of the week. … [Read more...] about Jeff Passan says Astros fans might not recognize their rival by next week
Astros Signal Offensive Shift with New Hitting Coach Hires
The Houston Astros had a struggling offense this past season that was very inconsistent. It was one of the reasons they did not make the postseason for the first time since 2016. Injuries played a big role, but the Astros’ front office had had enough. They made significant coaching changes once the season ended, especially to the offensive staff. The Astros fired both of their … [Read more...] about Astros Signal Offensive Shift with New Hitting Coach Hires