Spring training contests will begin early next month for the defending champions W The hot stove maneuver from team owner Jim Crane It can continue before opening day. Even with the games at Minute Maid Park two months away, there is still a lot of interest for first dynasty baseball in the 21st century.
So, what are Astros fans looking forward to between now and Opening Day? Check out the Houston off-season calendar below.
Astros, players send arbitration numbers – january 13th
Nine Houston players will enter arbitration this season barring any immediate contract extension, and Crane could hand some big money through the arbitration process before Opening Day. Alternate announcers Cristian Javier and Framper Valdez are up for refereeing this season, as is outfielder Kyle Tucker. The Astros could agree to a 2023 salary for each player before the Feb. 17 deadline, though it’s likely that at least a few players will have to wait for a ruling from the jury.
Christian Javier #53 of the Houston Astros pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during halftime in Game Four of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park on November 02, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Albello / Getty ImagesThe international signing period begins – January 15th
The Astros will be able to bolster their farm system via the international signing market in mid-January, adding to the pool of prospects selected in July in the 2022 MLB Draft. And while we won’t see any of these players in the Majors until at least the mid-2020s, we shouldn’t ignore the impact of the international signing pool. Javier and Valdez both signed international free agent contracts with the Astros in the middle of the last decade, and now, they are The Houston aces enter 2023.
Houston Astros Fanfest – January 21
The city will have a chance to celebrate the World Series champions again this month, as the Astros are scheduled to host their annual FanFest on January 21st. Astros FanFest is free, although all fans must have an entry coupon to enter. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will feature current and former players, as well as broadcasters and other notable Astros.
Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Announced – January 24
This isn’t necessarily related to the current crop of Astros, though Houston fans will have their eyes on the Hall of Fame ballot later this month. 2017 World Series champion and former Astro Carlos Beltran is eligible for the Hall of Fame, as is former Houstonian Billy Wagner. If elected, Wagner could become the third player to wear an Astros hat to his plate in Cooperstown, joining Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio.
Billy Wagner of the Houston Astros poses for a photo on February 26, 1998.
Sports News/Sports News via Getty ImagesJudging sessions close on February 17
The aforementioned arbitration sessions will conclude just one week before the Astros head to Florida for spring training. Although Crane is set to spend the season, don’t be shocked if Houston strikes a deal with several players during his bargaining sessions.
Astros begin spring training – February 25th
An official date for the pitchers and catchers reporting to the Astros’ facility has yet to be announced, though we do know when Houston will host its first spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida on February 25. The match will be a reunion of sorts, like New Mets ace Justin Verlander He sits across the diamond from his former team.
The World Baseball Classic starts – March 8th
A pair of Astros will walk away from the team in early March as the fifth edition of the World Baseball Classic begins. Tucker and Houston are closer Ryan Pressley will join the Team USA roster, who is looking to secure a second straight WBC crown. The Astros will also host the World Baseball Classic at an exhibition in early March, though their opponent has yet to be announced.
2023 season starts – March 30th
Houston will begin its title defense on March 30 as Dusty Baker’s team looks to become the first back-to-back champions of the 21st century. The latest free agency course will add a note of intrigue as new Astros first baseman Jose Abreu Squares against his former teamChicago White Sox.