Japanese star pitcher ignites excitement, while outfield battles and pitching depth emerge as key storylines for the Astros' 2026 season.
Spring Training has officially arrived, and the Astros are already generating buzz in West Palm Beach. With roster battles underway and new additions settling in, several players have quickly become focal points. Here are three Astros to watch as the 2026 season begins to take shape.
1. Tatsuya Imai: Right‑Handed Starting Pitcher
The Astros made their first big splash back in January by signing Japanese star Tatsuya Imai, a 27‑year‑old right‑handed starting pitcher. In his first Spring Training outing, his live pitching session drew serious attention. He admitted it finally hit him that he was in the Major Leagues, and who wouldn’t be? All eyes were locked in as he faced hitters for the first time since signing with Houston. What is usually a quiet session on a back mound turned into a moment everyone was watching. After getting Nick Allen to ground out on three pitches, he faced José Altuve and then struck out Carlos Correa, Jake Meyers, and Taylor Trammell. It was a strong first impression for arguably the Astros’ most exciting offseason addition.
2. Zach Cole: Outfielder Competing for Playing TimeZach Cole is another name to watch this spring. After an impressive 2025 that included a memorable home run in his first major league at‑bat and a strong showing during his time with Houston, Cole enters camp competing for a starting outfield spot. His left‑handed bat brings balance to the lineup, and the Astros are watching his swing adjustments closely as he works to reduce swing‑and‑miss and improve consistency at the plate. How Cole fares against big league pitching this spring could go a long way toward deciding his role in 2026.
3. Mike Burrows: Right-Handed Pitcher
Houston also added right-handed pitcher Mike Burrows in a three-team trade with the Pirates and Rays. Burrows made his Astros Spring Training debut on Sunday against the Cardinals, throwing two innings with one hit allowed, one walk, and two strikeouts while giving up no runs. In that outing, he filled the zone effectively and kept hitters off balance, showing the kind of efficient mound work the Astros envisioned when acquiring him. This performance gave fans an encouraging first look at how Burrows might contribute this season.
Burrows isn’t projected as a frontline starter, but he has shown he can give length and stability, and the Astros value his arsenal of pitches and experience.