Houston Astros shake up their roster with cost-saving moves, trading Mauricio Dubón and DFA’ing fan favorites like Chas McCormick and Luis Garcia. With $15.8 million cleared and the luxury tax threshold in focus, could these strategic shifts signal a major pitching acquisition? Rumors heat up as Justin Verlander is spotted in Houston, sparking debate over his possible return and the team’s willingness to reinvest the saved funds.

Eric Huysman and Brandon delCastillo break down the Astros’ options ahead of the non-tender deadline, highlighting likely cuts for Jesús Sánchez and Enoli De Los Santos, while weighing the futures of Jake Myers and rising prospect Zach Cole. The discussion centers on how Dana Brown and Jim Crane will prioritize pitching upgrades and left-handed bats, examining trade value, arbitration moves, and their impact on the team’s AL West contention. Will the Astros’ financial flexibility turn into a blockbuster signing or a fresh rebuild?

0:00 — Dubon Trade Reaction
5:40 — Astros Payroll & Savings
13:38 — Non-Tender Deadline Preview

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