Two players who did not work out but still had large contracts the Astros were responsible for come off the payroll after 2025.

The Astros signed Jose Abreu to a 3 year $58.5 million contract prior to the 2023 season to replace Yuli Gurriel at first base. Performance was so underwhelming Abreu was released in 2024 with $19.5 million remaining on his contract.

The Astros were also paying the remaining $7.7 million of reliever Rafael Montero's contract in 2025.