As the Houston Astros gear up for spring training, the front office still has a few pieces to move around on the chessboard. The roster is close, but not quite complete – and the next few weeks could bring some notable changes. The expectation remains that the Astros will move either Isaac Paredes or Christian Walker before Opening Day, and the team continues to explore options to bolster both their pitching depth and the catching corps.

Let’s break down where things stand – and why one familiar face might be on his way back to Minute Maid Park.

Christian Vázquez: A Reunion That Makes Sense

Among the many former Astros still on the open market, Christian Vázquez stands out as a name that checks a lot of boxes for Houston. The Astros are actively looking for a veteran backup behind the plate, and Vázquez brings both experience and familiarity with the pitching staff.

His stint with the Minnesota Twins didn’t exactly light up the stat sheet, and that’s part of what makes this a realistic option. Vázquez likely comes at a team-friendly price, and the fit is obvious – a seasoned catcher who knows the clubhouse, knows the expectations, and can step in without missing a beat. For a team with championship aspirations, that kind of plug-and-play depth matters.

Given the need and the mutual familiarity, don’t be surprised if this reunion comes together sooner rather than later.

Three Former Astros Still Looking for a Home

While Vázquez may be circling back to Houston, a few other former Astros remain unsigned – and the odds of a return feel a lot more complicated.

Framber Valdez: A Complicated Exit, A Quiet Market

Framber Valdez’s free agency has been unusually quiet, and that’s not without reason. His departure from Houston was rocky, to say the least. Reports of intentionally crossing up his catcher and public criticism of the coaching staff didn’t exactly leave things on the best of terms.

That kind of exit tends to linger in the minds of front offices, and it’s showing in how his market has cooled. Valdez came into the offseason expecting a sizable payday, but at this point, it’s hard to see him landing the kind of deal that was once projected.

A return to Houston? Highly unlikely.

Justin Verlander: A Storybook Ending That’s Not in the Cards

Justin Verlander’s name will always carry weight in Houston. He helped bring a title to the city, and the idea of him finishing his career in an Astros uniform is undeniably appealing – at least from a sentimental standpoint.

But this version of the Astros is focused on calculated, lower-risk moves, and Verlander, at this stage of his career, doesn’t quite fit that mold. If he’s got one more run in him, it’s likely to be with a team that’s all-in on contending in 2026. Houston, meanwhile, seems to be threading the needle between staying competitive and managing long-term flexibility.

Ramón Urías: The Fit Never Materialized

When the Astros acquired Ramón Urías at last year’s trade deadline, the hope was that he could bring the same kind of bench versatility he showed in Baltimore. But with Mauricio Dubón already filling that role – and doing it well – Urías never quite found his footing in Houston.

His performance down the stretch didn’t help his case, and now, like several utility infielders on the market, he’s caught in that late-offseason limbo. While he’s still looking for a home, a return to Houston feels like a long shot.

What’s Next?

The Astros aren’t done yet. There’s still time to make a few strategic additions before camp opens, and the front office is clearly working to round out the roster with depth and flexibility in mind. Whether it’s a catcher like Vázquez, a bullpen arm, or a trade involving one of their corner infielders, expect some movement in the coming days.

Houston’s core remains strong, but it’s the fringe moves – the savvy additions and roster tweaks – that often separate contenders from champions. The Astros know that. Now it’s just a matter of execution.