The Crawfish Boxes reports that the Houston Astros are reportedly close to hiring 23‑year Hall of Famer Albert Pujams as their next manager, just weeks after the franchise’s playoff exit. Owner Jim Crane, who is eyeing a new GM before the hire, sees Pujams—who boasts 703 career homers, three MVPs, two World Series rings and a Dominican Winter League title—as a game‑changing addition that could reignite fan interest in Houston. The rumor, sourced from USA Today veteran Bob Nightengale, also notes the organization’s intent to keep the roster largely intact while they make the move.
The Seattle Mariners have appointed 36‑year‑old Jason Kanzler—formerly the Cubs’ director of player development and a former Astros hitting coach—to replace Dan Wilson after a 76‑86 season. With no managerial experience, analysts like former infielder Trevor Plouffe and Chris Rose question whether a rookie can impose the accountability the team needs, especially after the Brewers’ championship under veteran Pat Murphy. Kanzler’s résumé includes a stint with the 2022 World Series‑winning Astros and a playing career that peaked at High‑A. He will face intense scrutiny as the 2027 season approaches.
Eighteen‑year‑old Japanese phenom Shoki Oda is set to skip NPB and head straight to MLB, sparking interest from at least eight clubs. In the next few hours Oda meets with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros, while the Texas Rangers already held an extensive eight‑person meeting that impressed the teen pitcher. He can sign once the international signing period opens on Jan. 15, 2027—if it isn’t delayed by the looming owners‑players shutdown. Oda cites Yoshinobu Yamamoto as his favorite player, giving the Dodgers a possible edge.
The Houston Astros, fresh off hiring GM Randy Flores, are racing to appoint a new manager, aiming for a "big splash" hire before the upcoming GM meetings on Monday. Owner Jim Crane says interviews began even before a GM was in place, and Flores is now deep in the search. Candidates being whispered about include former Astros catcher Brad Ausmus, ex‑Cardinals star Albert Pujás, former Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, and ex‑Astros third‑baseman Morgan Ensberg. Astros beat writer Brian McTaggart told MLB Network the club hopes to lock in a skipper within days.
Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick backs Albert Pujols as the top candidate to replace Houston’s vacant manager. Speaking on the Crush City Podcast, Reddick praises Pujols’ “through‑the‑roof” baseball IQ, leadership and intensity, saying the future Hall of Famer would instantly command respect in Houston. The former World Series champion argues Pujols’ on‑field coaching style and respected reputation could inject much‑needed fire into an Astros club that’s struggled for consistency. Fans and media are buzzing about the possibility of Pujols transitioning to a managerial role.
Eighteen‑year‑old Japanese right‑hander Shoki Oda, hailed as a top pitching prospect, is fielding interest from a slate of MLB clubs, led by the New York Yankees and Mets. He met with the Mets, Phillies, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Astros and others, with a Yankees meeting slated for Friday. Oda can officially sign when the international signing period opens on Jan. 15, 2027, unless the window is cancelled or altered. Teams are using the interim to pitch their development systems as Oda’s decision looms early next year.
The Detroit Tigers unveil their 2027 coaching staff, adding Kyle Hudson as first‑base and baserunning coach and former Astros catcher Martín Maldonado as quality coach. Long‑time catcher coach Ryan Sienko expands to bullpen duties after Juan Nieves departs, while the existing trio of hitting coaches—Michael Brdar, Cody Asche and Lance Zawadski—remain. Scott Peters joins as medical director and Jeremiah Randall returns as head athletic trainer. Bench coach George Lombard and third‑base coach Billy Boyer also stay on, completing a mostly intact staff under manager A.J. Hinch.
The first notable MLB offseason transaction just took place as the stove warms up ever so slightly.
The Braves’ offseason trade wishlist zeroes in on shortstop, with five candidates highlighted. All‑Star Jeremy Peña (Astros) tops the board, offering a .300 average and 800+ OPS while potentially becoming trade‑able if Houston rebuilds. Veteran Corey Seager (Rangers) brings a .860 career OPS but carries injury concerns and a $155 million contract through age 37. Young Angel Zach Neto (26, 5+ WAR/season) is under team control until 2030, though his price in prospects would be steep. Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson, a former 8.8 WAR MVP finisher now at 3.2 WAR, could fetch a "king’s ransom." Finally, Marlins’ Otto Lopez, fresh off a 6.1 WAR, .300‑average season, is also under contract through 2030. The piece assesses each player’s value and the likely cost for Atlanta.
The St. Louis Cardinals announce Rob Cerfolio, 34, as the franchise’s first general manager under President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom, who took the role in 2025. Cerfolio, a former Cleveland Guardians director of player development, replaces former assistant GM Randy Flores, who left for the Houston Astros. His promotion comes as the Cardinals, still rebuilding but exceeding 2026 expectations, look to stay competitive through 2027‑28. Bloom and Cerfolio will now steer the team’s talent development and roster moves amid a potential contender window.
The Houston Astros are interviewing Hall of Famer Albert Pujols for their vacant manager role after firing Joe Espada following the AL Wild Card loss to the White Sox. Podcaster Tyler Stafford worries Pujols may be “too good” at baseball to articulate the game for players, noting Barry Bonds’ failed coaching stint as a cautionary tale. While many legends like John McGraw and Dusty Baker transitioned successfully to managing, Stafford questions whether Pujols’ elite talent will translate to the dugout. Pujols ends his playing career with 3,384 hits, 703 home runs and 2,218 RBIs, sparking debate over his managerial prospects.
On this episode of the D1 Daily, Lance Berkman returns to talk about the origins of his "Big Puma" nickname and to tell stories about his days with the Astros.
The Silver Slugger finalists are unveiled ahead of the November 17 award ceremony. In the NL, top hitters include Hunter Goodman (C), Jake Bauers, Alec Burleson, Rafael Devers and Matt Olson at 1B, and stars like Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber as designated hitters. The AL list features Dillon Dingler (C), Pete Alonso, Willson Contreras, and Michael Trout among the outfield nominees, with Yordan Alvarez and Ben Rice slated for DH. Managers and coaches, barred from voting for their own players, selected these candidates. Team honors this season spotlight the Brewers, Cubs, Dodgers and Nationals in the NL, and the Astros, Rays, Twins and White Sox in the AL as the top offensive squads. Winners roll out on November 17.
The Atlanta Braves have bolstered their front office by rehiring two former executives as senior advisers to amateur scouting. Former Astros GM Dana Brown—who helped the Braves win a World Series and discover Michael Harris II, Spencer Strider, and Tyler Matzek during his 2019‑22 stint—returns alongside ex‑Angels GM Perry Minasian, a former Braves assistant GM (2017‑20). Both will work with scouting VP Ronit Shah, leveraging their respected talent‑evaluation skills despite mixed results as general managers. Their combined experience contributed to Atlanta’s seven division titles and a 2021 World Series triumph.
The trial of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz begins this week, with prosecutors branding them “cheaters” over alleged pitch‑rigging conspiracy charges and defense attorneys claiming a setup. Former catcher Bo Naylor testifies he saw no irregularities. The article also touches on offseason news—including the Braves’ revenue report, Mariners’ new manager Jason Kanzler, Astros’ interest in Albert Pujols, and various free‑agent and trade rumors—while noting MLB’s decision to keep Intentional Talk on air.
The Atlanta Braves are overhauling their front office for the 2027 season, bringing back former Angels GM Perry Minasian as a senior staff member alongside ex-Astros GM Dana Brown, who returns as a senior advisor to amateur scouting. Minasian, who served as the Braves’ assistant GM (2017‑2020) before a six‑year stint in Los Angeles, was dismissed by the Angels on June 26 when the club was 34‑48. His reunion with Braves president Alex Anthopoulos reunites a longtime executive trio, signaling a renewed focus on scouting and roster building ahead of next year.
The Atlanta Braves rehire Perry Minasian as a senior advisor for amateur scouting, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale and The Athletic’s Jesús Cano. Minasian, who was the Angels’ GM from 2020‑21 until his June dismissal, joins former Braves VP of scouting Dana Brown, who also returned after a stint with the Astros. Both were let go by their previous clubs this summer but retain the confidence of Braves president Alex Anthopoulos. Minasian’s tenure in Los Angeles ended after a 62‑100 season, the franchise’s worst in 66 years.
The Blue Jays secure a rare fourth option for right‑hander Jake Bloss, giving Toronto an extra year to keep him in the minors before needing a 2027 major‑league roster spot. Bloss, a 25‑year‑old former Astros draft pick (2023), used three options in 2024‑26 and underwent UCL surgery in 2025, returning to pitch in the minors and the Arizona Fall League. With only ~175 minor‑league innings and limited MLB experience, he remains a development project but provides depth for a rotation that includes Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage and José Soriano. The added option eases the Jays’ roster crunch ahead of opening day.
ClutchPoints breaks down the top 20 MLB trade candidates for the 2026‑27 offseason, highlighting players who could flip the balance for teams after a surprising Dodgers loss. The list starts with Colorado outfielder Jake McCarthy’s explosive season, Cincinnati’s ace‑in‑waiting Hunter Greene (despite a second Tommy John), and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, who may become a trade chip amid a deep roster. Other notable names include Boston’s speed‑power combo Jarren Duran, Houston’s versatile third‑baseman Isaac Paredes, and Miami’s breakout shortstop Otto López. The article offers salaries, injury risks, and team needs to help clubs assess who’s worth a buy‑low move.
Analyst Erik Kratz warns that the Houston Astros' Jeremy Pena and the Los Angeles Angels' Zach Neto could command "massive" asking prices if either club decides to trade its shortstop. Both players have emerged as elite options in a thin shortstop market—Pena posted a .277 average with 22 homers and 56 RBIs in 112 games for the AL West champion Astros (81-81), while Neto hit a career‑high 27 homers, .239 average, 77 RBIs and 24 steals for the Angels (62-100). Kratz says any deal will be costly because shortstops are rare premium assets, making the Astros and Angels potential key sellers in the offseason.
The Seattle Mariners unveiled 36‑year‑old Jason Kanzler as their new manager on November 4, 2026 at T‑Mobile Park. With coaching stints at the Astros and most recently as the Cubs’ farm director, Kanzler has never managed a big‑league club, a point that has sparked skepticism after a 76‑win season. The author notes Kanzler’s thoughtful, communicative press conference answers as a promising sign, emphasizing the importance of middle‑manager‑style communication in modern baseball. The piece invites fans to share their first impressions and whether the hiring debate has shifted.
Alex Bregman explains the three simple steps that helped him turn a perceived defensive decline into a second Gold Glove after his 2024 win. He credits offseason work with Matt Chapman in Arizona, daily drills and video study with Cubs infield coach Jonathan Mota, and targeted ready‑position, footwork, and long‑toss routines that solidified his rhythm through the All‑Star break. Bregman also mentions learning from infield specialist Nate Trosky and highlights how these habits boost both defense and overall productivity for the Astros third baseman.
Arizona Diamondbacks prospects Demetrio Crisantes and Joe Ariola earn spots in the Fall Stars Game, while former top prospect O.N. Robinson exits the organization without an MLB debut. The D‑backs also spotlight what they seek from AFL and winter‑ball participants, including Crisantes and Patrick Forbes. The roundup adds MLB headlines: the Angels pause GM interviews pending sale approval, Albert Pujols interviews for the Astros’ manager role, Guardians pitchers face cheating accusations, MLB proposes a salary‑cap delay until 2028, and ex‑star Mark Teixeira wins a Texas House seat.
The Seattle Mariners announce Jason Kanzler as their new manager, with Kate Preusser dissecting his 2020 podcast mindset and key takeaways from his press conference. Across MLB, the Houston Astros appoint Brewers exec Cam Castro as GM and reportedly interview Albert Pujols for their vacant manager role. The Los Angeles Angels pause GM interviews pending team‑sale approval, while the Mets hire former catcher A.J. Ellis as strategy coordinator. The Braves report a profit cushion from real‑estate holdings, and Fangraphs' Ben Clemens examines why this postseason favors pitchers.
MLB Trade Rumors outlines three off‑season focuses. First, the Houston Astros’ GM Randy Flores expands his manager search beyond Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus, adding Rangers bench coach Luis Urueta, Albert Pujols and former Astro Morgan Ensberg as interview candidates. Second, the NL East’s upcoming free‑agent shopping lists are highlighted: the Marlins aim to bolster both pitching and hitting, the Mets seek a platoon partner for Jared Young, and the Phillies target left‑handed relievers after a turbulent season. Third, the outlet reveals the ten free agents who just missed the Top‑50 list, featuring a former Cy Young winner and a World Series MVP. Photo credit: Sam Navarro, Imagn Images.