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As the MLB offseason progresses toward the upcoming qualifying offer decisions on Nov. 17, major league front offices are already active in the rumor mill. From managerial searches in Houston to potential roster reshaping in Baltimore and Tampa Bay, teams are beginning to position themselves for the next campaign.
Astros to Interview Albert Pujols
The Houston Astros are conducting an interview with Albert Pujols this week for their managerial opening, according to The Athletic. Newly hired general manager Randy Flores is leading the search following the August departure of general manager Dana Brown and the dismissal of manager Joe Espada after the 2026 season.
Pujols has previously expressed his ambition to manage in the majors, having interviewed for vacancies with the Padres and Angels during the last offseason. He also managed the Dominican Republic team in the World Baseball Classic earlier this spring. He remains in the fourth year of a 10-year, $100 million personal services contract with the Angels signed as part of his player deal prior to the 2012 season.
Additional candidates for the position include Texas Rangers bench coach Luis Urueta, New York Yankees bench coach and former manager Brad Ausmus, and Triple-A Durham Bulls manager Morgan Ensberg, who will also interview this week as reported by MLB.com.
Orioles Open to Trades for Pitching and Outfield
The Baltimore Orioles are willing to listen to trade inquiries on every player on their roster except for Pete Alonso, as reported by The Baltimore Banner. While the club is not actively shopping players, management is seeking upgrades for both the starting rotation and the outfield through potential deals.
With Alonso holding down first base and Gunnar Henderson at shortstop, the team features a surplus of infielders including Jackson Holliday, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jordan Westburg, and Coby Mayo available to cover two remaining positions and the designated hitter role. Westburg and Encarnacion-Strand are under team control through 2029, Holliday through 2030, and Mayo through 2031.
Rays Plan to Retain Drew Rasmussen
The American League champion Tampa Bay Rays recently exercised a $20 million club option for All-Star starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen, marking a franchise-record salary for a single player in one season. While the organization has a history of trading players ahead of free agency—such as previous deals involving Randy Arozarena, Isaac Paredes, Tyler Glasnow, David Price, Evan Longoria, and Ben Zobrist—the club currently intends to keep Rasmussen.
Club president Erik Neander stated on Tuesday via the Tampa Bay Times that the team’s every intention is for Rasmussen to anchor the rotation and improve the roster for next year. With Nick Martinez and Freddy Peralta heading to free agency, retaining Rasmussen leaves him at the front of a rotation that also includes Shane McClanahan, Griffin Jax, and Ryan Pepiot.
