As the MLB offseason progresses, several teams are making headlines with potential trades and managerial searches. The Houston Astros are interviewing Albert Pujols for their vacant manager position, the Baltimore Orioles are exploring deals for starting pitching and outfield help while keeping Pete Alonso off the table, and the Tampa Bay Rays have exercised a club option on Drew Rasmussen with plans to retain him for 2027.
Astros Interview Pujols for Manager
The Astros, who moved on from general manager Dana Brown in August and fired manager Joe Espada after the 2026 season, have newly hired general manager Randy Flores leading the search for a new dugout boss. According to The Athletic, the team will interview Albert Pujols this week. Pujols, a three-time MVP and future Hall of Famer, has previously interviewed for managerial vacancies with the Padres and Angels and managed the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. He is currently in the fourth year of a 10-year, $100 million personal services contract with the Angels. Other known candidates include Rangers bench coach Luis Urueta, Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus, and former Astros third baseman Morgan Ensberg, who manages the Triple-A Durham Bulls.
Orioles Seek Pitching and Outfield Help
The Orioles are willing to listen to trade offers on any player except first baseman Pete Alonso, as reported by The Baltimore Banner. While not actively shopping players, Baltimore is targeting upgrades at starting pitcher and outfielder. The club has a surplus of infielders: with Alonso at first base and Gunnar Henderson at shortstop, they have Jackson Holliday, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jordan Westburg, and Coby Mayo competing for two spots. Westburg and Encarnacion-Strand are under team control through 2029, Holliday through 2030, and Mayo through 2031.
Rays Exercise Option on Rasmussen, Plan to Keep Him
The American League champion Rays picked up the $20 million club option on All-Star starter Drew Rasmussen, a franchise-record salary for a single season. Club president Erik Neander stated the team's intention is to have Rasmussen anchor the rotation in 2027. With Nick Martinez and Freddy Peralta heading to free agency, Rasmussen would top a rotation that also includes Shane McClanahan, Griffin Jax, and Ryan Pepiot, though questions remain about the latter three as well.
