The Houston Astros have made roster changes as they continue shaping their team ahead of the 2025 season. On Sunday, the Astros officially announced the release of left-handed pitcher Jalen Beeks and veteran outfielder Ben Gamel. The moves come as part of Houston’s ongoing efforts to finalize their roster heading into the final stages of spring training.
Jalen Beeks, who was claimed off waivers by the Astros from the Colorado Rockies earlier this offseason, was expected to compete for a spot in the bullpen. The 30-year-old southpaw showed flashes of potential during his brief time with Houston but ultimately fell short of securing a role. Beeks appeared in a handful of spring training games, but inconsistency on the mound likely contributed to the Astros’ decision to part ways.
Last season with the Rockies, Beeks made 55 relief appearances, posting a 5-7 record with a 5.95 ERA. Despite his struggles, the Astros took a chance on his left-handed arm, hoping he could add depth to a bullpen that had some question marks. However, with the emergence of other arms during camp and tough competition for the limited bullpen spots, Beeks became the odd man out. His release gives him the opportunity to seek another landing spot elsewhere, potentially with a team looking for left-handed relief depth.
Meanwhile, Ben Gamel’s release also clears up the outfield picture for Houston. The 32-year-old outfielder was signed to a minor league deal earlier this year, bringing veteran experience and a left-handed bat to the organization. Gamel, who spent last season in the minor leagues with the San Diego Padres organization, was looking to revive his major league career and compete for a bench role with the Astros.
Throughout his major league career, Gamel has been known as a solid role player, providing defensive versatility and a professional approach at the plate. He owns a career batting average of .252 with 40 home runs and 200 RBIs across seven MLB seasons. However, his performance during spring training didn’t do enough to solidify a spot on the Opening Day roster, especially with the Astros’ crowded outfield situation.
The releases of Beeks and Gamel signal that the Astros are narrowing down their options as they prepare for the regular season. With players like Kyle Tucker, Chas McCormick, and Jake Meyers locked into outfield roles, there was little room for Gamel to break through. Similarly, the bullpen competition remains tight, leaving no margin for error.
Both players will now have the chance to explore other opportunities in free agency. For Houston, these moves are part of the natural roster trimming process as the club looks to stay competitive in the American League and continue their postseason aspirations in 2025.
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