The arbitration deadline has come and gone, and with it, the Houston Astros are staring down a decision that’s raising more eyebrows than optimism. The club’s choice to retain Jesús Sanchez – a midseason trade acquisition who struggled mightily at the plate – is now officially a $6.8 million gamble heading into 2026.

Let’s rewind for a second. The Astros brought in Sanchez from the Marlins just before the trade deadline, banking on his left-handed bat to inject some power into the middle of the order.

But instead of a spark, they got a fizzle. In 48 games, Sanchez slashed .199/.269/.342 – numbers that don’t just fall short of expectations, they barely register as serviceable for a team with championship aspirations.

Given that performance, Sanchez looked like a prime non-tender candidate back in November. Many expected Houston to cut bait and reallocate that money elsewhere – especially with bullpen help and catching depth still on the to-do list.

But instead of moving on, the Astros doubled down. Now they’re on the hook for nearly $7 million, and that decision could have ripple effects across the roster.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about one player underperforming. It’s about what that $6.8 million means in the bigger picture.

The Astros are operating dangerously close to the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) threshold – FanGraphs has their projected payroll at $242 million, just $2 million shy of the top tier. That’s not a lot of wiggle room for a team that still has holes to fill.

So what’s next?

One option is to try and flip Sanchez in a trade before Opening Day. But that’s easier said than done. His salary is steep for a player coming off such a rough stretch, and there’s no guarantee another team is willing to take that on without Houston eating some of the cost – or accepting a minimal return.

Another route? Moving a more valuable piece to clear space.

Christian Walker’s name has come up in trade rumors this offseason, and with $40 million owed over the next two years, he’s a logical candidate if the Astros want to shed salary. Isaac Paredes, under team control through 2027, is another name that’s reportedly been floated in talks.

Both players would have far more appeal on the trade market than Sanchez, and moving one could give GM Dana Brown the breathing room he needs to finish reshaping the roster.

It’s a tough spot for Houston. They’re still built to contend, but every dollar counts when you’re brushing up against the CBT. Committing $6.8 million to a player who hasn’t proven he can deliver in this lineup raises real questions about roster construction – and whether that money could’ve been better spent elsewhere.

There’s still time before the season opens in March, and moves will be made. But as it stands, the decision to keep Jesús Sanchez is shaping up as one of the more questionable calls of the Astros’ offseason.