In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, the Houston Astros have placed five players on outright waivers, sparking debates about the team's future and the players' careers. But here's where it gets controversial: among those waived are seasoned veterans and once-promising prospects, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the strategy behind these decisions. According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the players include outfielders Chas McCormick, Kenedy Corona, and Pedro León, left-hander John Rooney, and right-hander Luis Garcia. And this is the part most people miss: each of these players brings a unique story and potential value to the table, making their waivers a topic ripe for discussion.
The Astros' decision wasn't entirely unexpected. After a 2025 season plagued by injuries—with several players landing on the 60-day injured list—the team needed to clear roster spots. The IL disappears five days after the World Series and doesn't return until spring training, forcing the Astros to make some tough calls. Here’s the kicker: Luis Garcia, who turns 29 in December and recently underwent Tommy John surgery, was an obvious candidate. With 2026 set to be his final arbitration year before free agency, the Astros weren’t likely to tender him a contract. His waiver placement feels like a formality, though it’s unlikely any team claims him unless they’re willing to gamble on his 2027 return.
Chas McCormick, 31 in April, is another intriguing case. Once a reliable contributor from 2021 to 2023—hitting 14+ home runs annually and posting a combined .259/.336/.449 slash line—his production has plummeted since 2024, with a .211/.273/.301 line and a 64 wRC+. Projected to earn $3.4MM in arbitration, the Astros likely saw him as a non-tender candidate. But here’s the twist: his major league experience and controllability through 2027 could make him an attractive change-of-scenery option for another team, though they might wait for him to hit free agency to negotiate a lower salary.
Pedro León, 28 in May, was once a high-profile Cuban signing, but injuries and inconsistent performance have stalled his career. Limited to just 25 games in 2025 due to a sprained MCL, his minor league numbers—like a .299/.372/.514 line in Triple-A last year—hint at untapped potential. The debate rages on: could a team take a chance on his prospect pedigree, or will his past hype fade into obscurity?
Kenedy Corona, 26 in March, and John Rooney, 29 in January, round out the group. Corona, acquired in the 2019 Jake Marisnick trade, has struggled since 2024, but his .264/.346/.475 line in 2022-2023 suggests he could rebound. Rooney, a recent addition from the Marlins, faces a long recovery from surgery and is expected to miss all of 2026. The question remains: Are these players worth the risk for other teams, or will they slip into free agency?
Here’s the bigger picture: Garcia and McCormick can reject outright assignments and become free agents if they clear waivers. Rooney and Corona, with seven-plus years in the minors, could hit minor league free agency soon. León, however, lacks the service time or tenure to reject an assignment, potentially keeping him in the Astros’ system as non-roster depth. Now, we want to hear from you: Do you think the Astros made the right call, or did they let go of players who could still contribute? Let us know in the comments!
