The Houston Astros may be in the midst of the offseason, but the team is already making headlines. In a Major League Baseball splash, the team inked a five-year, $95 million deal with left-handed pitcher Josh Hader, considered the top reliever on the market on Friday, January 19.
Fans can also start planning that trip to sunny West Palm Beach, Florida in February for Spring Training; find the game schedule here and projected roster here (via MLB writer Brian McTaggart).
And on Saturday, January 20 from 11 am to 4 pm, the annual Astros FanFest offers a chance for fans to rub elbows (not too hard, though, Spring Training's coming up) with star players, coaches, staff, lovable mascot Orbit, the Shooting Stars, and more.
The bash includes autograph sessions with current and former players, playing catch in the outfield, taking swings in the Astros batting cages, running the bases, bullpen throwing sessions, photo booths, fan forums with front office staff and current players, and photo opportunities in the dugouts.
Hear from Astros favorites at the Q&A sessions.
Photo courtesy of Houston Astros
Note that many activities will require a voucher, found here.
A big moment promises to be the Additionally, the 2024 Astros Hall of Fame class announcement ceremony, happening at 1:30 pm on the field in front of sections 106-107.
As for those players, look for appearances by Yordan Alvarez, Alex Bregman, Lance McCullers Jr., Jeremy Peña, Ryan Pressly, and Kyle Tucker. Other players stopping by include Hunter Brown, Yainer Diaz, Shawn Dubin, J.P. France, Matt Gage, David Hensley, Corey Julks, Grae Kessinger, Parker Mushinski, and Bennett Sousa.
Catcher Victor Caratini, also newly signed, will also visit the fest.
All-heart all star Jeremy Peña will pose with fans. Photo courtesy of Houston Astros
More photo opp moments come with several Astros legends and alumni, including Astros Hall of Famers Jeff Bagwell, Larry Dierker and Terry Puhl, as well as Eric Anthony, Jason Castro, Phil Garner, Art Howe, and more.
Team staff appearances include general manager Dana Brown and new manager Joe Espada. For fans who really wanna go inside baseball and talk shop, nine members of Espada's coaching staff will also be on hand: Omar López (bench coach), Alex Cintrón (hitting coach), Troy Snitker (hitting coach), Bill Murphy (pitching coach), Gary Pettis (third base coach), Dave Clark (first base coach), Michael Collins (coach), Jason Bell (quality assurance coach), and Tommy Kawamura (game planning coach).
The always-popular broadcast team will be repped by Todd Kalas, Geoff Blum, Julia Morales, Robert Ford, Steve Sparks, Francisco Romero, Alex Treviño, Brian Bogusevic, Michael Bourn, Kevin Eschenfelder, and Mike Stanton.
Secure a $1 admission voucher here; all activity voucher proceeds benefit the Astros Foundation. Visit the official Fan Fest site for additional schedules, parking information, perks for Astros season ticket holders and members, and more.
