The Houston Astros have officially added another arm to their rotation: right-handed Japanese native Tatsuya Imai. The 27-year-old is a strong addition, backed by an impressive track record.
With Imai added to the rotation, the Astros are ready for the likely departure of Framber Valdez. Let’s take a look at Houston’s projected pitching staff for the 2026 season.
Starting with Hunter Brown, who is expected to anchor the staff and could become the new ace the team leans on in place of Valdez. He had a stellar season last year, and if he can carry that performance into 2026, he should be a steady leader for the Astros’ rotation.
The next pitcher in line will likely be their most recent addition, Tatsuya Imai. Imai was one of the top pitchers in Japan last season, finishing with a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts over 163⅔ innings, per Houston Chronicle. He could be exactly what Houston needs in 2026.
New additions also include Ryan Weiss. The Astros signed Weiss during the Winter Meetings after he pitched in the KBO with the Hanwha Eagles. Most recently, Houston traded two prospects to the Pittsburgh Pirates to acquire Mike Burrows, adding depth to the rotation.
Also new to the 2026 rotation is Nate Pearson, one of the early players the Astros signed following the 2025 season, giving Houston another experienced arm to work with.
Returning players like Cristian Javier are expected back after Tommy John surgery, though he’ll need time to regain top form. Javier’s innings have been limited during his recovery, creating some uncertainty around when he can return as a full-time starter.
Another key veteran is Lance McCullers Jr. McCullers has shown in the past that when he’s on, he can be dominant for Houston, giving them a veteran presence and experience the younger pitchers can lean on in big games.
Among the younger arms, the Astros have Miguel Ullola, a pitching prospect added to the 40-man roster, and A.J. Blubaugh, who appears ready to compete for a rotation spot.
With Brown and Imai likely leading the rotation, the rest of the staff will battle for spots. Early projections show the rotation being built around Brown, Imai, McCullers, Javier, and Burrows, with spring training shaping the final order.