The Astros have been busy this offseason, especially when it comes to rebuilding their pitching staff. With Framber Valdez becoming a free agent after the 2025 season, the front office knew a hole could be coming and didn’t wait around to address it.
Valdez has been one of Houston’s most dependable starters, but at his caliber, it’s widely expected he’ll land a long-term deal elsewhere. Rather than scramble later, the Astros made pitching depth a priority heading into 2026.
Houston has added a mix of established arms and upside pieces, spending both time and money to reinforce the staff. The most recent move came Thursday, when the Astros acquired right-hander Kai-Wei Teng from the Giants in exchange for Minor League catcher Jancel Villarroel. Teng gives the team another flexible arm as roles begin to take shape this spring.
With these additions, the Astros are in a solid position entering 2026. Here’s a look at the top three pitchers expected to anchor the staff.
Tatsuya Imai (Starting Pitcher)
Signed on January 5, 2026, Imai is one of the most important additions of the offseason. The right-hander brings a mid-90s fastball, a sharp slider, and a changeup he uses to keep hitters off balance. He’s shown he can handle a starter’s workload, which puts him firmly in the Opening Day rotation conversation.
Houston signed Imai to a three-year, $54 million deal, with incentives tied to innings pitched. The contract makes it clear the Astros expect him to contribute right away.
Hunter Brown (Starting Pitcher)
Brown has developed into one of the Astros’ most reliable arms. Since making his Major League debut in 2022, the 27-year-old right-hander has taken steady steps forward.
In 2025, Brown broke out in a big way. He made 31 appearances, went 12–9, posted a 2.43 ERA, struck out 206 batters, and logged 185.1 innings. He averaged just under six innings per start, recorded 21 quality starts, and finished third in American League Cy Young voting, per MLB.
Cristian Javier (Starting Pitcher)
Javier remains a key piece of the rotation. His high-spin four-seam fastball continues to miss bats, and his postseason résumé still matters. When games tighten up, the Astros trust him on the mound.
Between their returning starters and a deep group of new additions, Houston’s pitching staff is shaping up to be competitive. While the search for a reliable left-hander continues, the Astros have clearly focused on depth, flexibility, and protecting themselves against injuries as they head into 2026.