Astros Interview Pujols, Orioles Seek Pitching Trade, Rays Keep Rasmussen

Major League Baseball clubs are moving quickly in the early stages of the offseason as they address roster needs and leadership vacancies. The Houston Astros are interviewing Albert Pujols for their open manager position this week. New general manager Randy Flores is leading the search after the team moved on from Dana Brown in August and dismissed Joe Espada following the 2026 season. Pujols, a three-time MVP and future Hall of Famer, has expressed a long-standing desire to manage in the major leagues. He interviewed for manager roles with the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Angels during the previous offseason and managed the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic earlier this year. Pujols remains under a 10-year, $100 million personal services contract with the Angels, which began as part of his player agreement prior to the 2012 season. Other candidates for the Astros dugout include Rangers bench coach Luis Urueta and Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus.

The Baltimore Orioles are preparing to address their pitching and outfield gaps while keeping their star first baseman in mind. According to The Baltimore Banner, the Orioles are willing to consider trade offers for any player except Pete Alonso. The club is seeking upgrades at starting pitcher and outfielder and views a trade as a primary method to acquire those players. While the Orioles are not actively shopping their entire roster, their infield depth creates potential trade candidates. With Alonso occupying first base and Gunnar Henderson at shortstop, the team has four players competing for limited spots: Jackson Holliday, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jordan Westburg, and Coby Mayo. Using one of these players as a designated hitter leaves three to share two positions. Holliday is under team control through 2030, while Westburg and Encarnacion-Strand are controlled through 2029. Mayo holds team control through 2031.

The Tampa Bay Rays have committed to retaining All-Star starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen for the 2027 season. The club exercised a $20 million option on Rasmussen, setting a franchise record for a single-player salary. This move aligns with the Rays' historical strategy of securing veteran players before they enter free agency. The organization has previously traded or retained players like Randy Arozarena, Isaac Paredes, Tyler Glasnow, David Price, Evan Longoria, and Ben Zobrist using similar methods. By locking Rasmussen in for one year, the Rays position him as a trade candidate rather than allowing him to walk as a free agent. Club president Erik Neander confirmed the team's current intent to keep the right-hander. Neander stated on Tuesday, via the Tampa Bay Times, that every intention right now is thinking about Rasmussen anchoring the rotation and how to make the team better going into next year.

The Rays' decision to keep Rasmussen comes as they evaluate their pitching staff for the upcoming season. Nick Martinez and Freddy Peralta are set to enter free agency, leaving Rasmussen as the clear top of the rotation. The remaining starters include Shane McClanahan, Griffin Jax, and Ryan Pepiot, though questions surround the durability or performance of those three. The next major deadline for the league is November 17, when clubs must submit decisions on qualifying offers. The Milwaukee Brewers have been World Series champions for one week and are continuing their post-title period as the offseason progresses.