The Astros have been busy this offseason, especially when it comes to reshaping their pitching staff. With Framber Valdez set to become a free agent at the end of the 2025 season, the team knew a gap could appear in the rotation and moved early to address it.
Valdez was one of the club’s most reliable starters. While he’s still a free agent, it’s widely expected he will sign a long-term, high-paying deal elsewhere, leaving the Astros in need of reinforcements.
Houston has spent time and money strengthening its rotation, adding a mix of established arms and high-upside prospects. Most recently, the Astros acquired right-handed pitcher Kai-Wei Teng in a trade from the Giants, sending Minor League catcher Jancel Villarroel to San Francisco on Thursday.
Here’s a look at the new pitchers Houston has added this offseason:
Kai-Wei Teng (Starting Pitcher/Relief Pitcher) – Traded January 29, 2026
Teng is known for his sweeping breaking ball. He throws from a low arm slot and has a five-pitch mix, leaning on that sweeper more than any other pitch. That versatility gives Houston options as the team sorts out roles this spring. Teng has shown flashes at the Major League level, and the Astros will see if he fits best as rotation depth or in the bullpen.
Tatsuya Imai (Starting Pitcher) – Signed January 5, 2026
Imai brings a fastball, a slider, and a competitive mound presence. He joins the Astros aiming to help the team contend for a championship.
Nate Pearson (Starting Pitcher) – Acquired November 17, 2025 (Free Agent)
A hard-throwing right-hander, Pearson adds strikeout potential and power to the rotation.
Ryan Weiss (Starting Pitcher) – Signed December 9, 2025 (Free Agent)
Weiss comes from the KBO and brings experience, innings, and consistency to Houston’s staff.
Roddery Muñoz (Relief Pitcher) – Rule 5 Draft, December 10, 2025
Muñoz is a high-upside bullpen arm who can miss bats. As a Rule 5 pick, he has a chance to earn a real role if he performs well in camp.
Mike Burrows (Starting Pitcher) – Acquired December 19, 2025 (Trade)
A young right-hander with promise, Burrows could see rotation innings early and is part of Houston’s long-term plans.
Miguel Ullola (Starting Pitcher) – Added November 18, 2025
Ullola adds depth and could emerge later in the season, either in the rotation or the bullpen.
The Astros have added a lot of new arms, putting themselves in a stronger position heading into 2026. Questions remain, particularly about left-handed pitching, but Houston has clearly focused on depth and flexibility. One reliable lefty could be the final piece to complete the puzzle.