The Astros have been making moves this offseason, especially when it comes to reshaping their pitching staff. With Framber Valdez becoming a free agent at the end of the 2025 season, the team anticipated a potential gap forming in their rotation.
Valdez was one of the club’s most reliable starters, and while he is still a free agent, it is widely expected he will sign a long-term, high-paying deal elsewhere, leaving the Astros in need of reinforcements.
The Astros have spent time and money strengthening their rotation. The team has added several new pitchers, including both established arms and high-upside prospects.
Despite these additions, one key piece is still missing: a left-handed starter. While the new pitchers bring talent and depth, a quality lefty can provide a strategic advantage, helping disrupt opposing lineups and adding balance to the rotation.
Here is a look at the new pitchers the Astros have added this offseason:
Tatsuya Imai (Starting Pitcher) – Signed January 5, 2026
Known for his fastball, slider, and competitive mound presence, Imai is joining the Astros with the goal of helping the team contend for a world championship.
Nate Pearson (Starting Pitcher) – Acquired November 17, 2025 (free agent)
A hard-throwing right-hander with plenty of strikeout potential, Pearson adds power to the rotation.
Ryan Weiss (Starting Pitcher) – Signed December 9, 2025 (free agent)
Weiss comes over from the KBO and brings a strong track record of innings and strikeouts, giving the Astros another experienced arm.
Roddery Muñoz (Relief Pitcher) – Rule 5 Draft, December 10, 2025
Muñoz is a high-upside bullpen arm who can miss bats in key situations.
Mike Burrows (Starting Pitcher) – Acquired December 19, 2025 (trade)
A young righty with promise, Burrows could compete for rotation innings right away.
Miguel Ullola (Starting Pitcher) – Added November 18, 2025
A young right-hander with a high strikeout rate, Ullola is now protected on the 40-man roster and could see major league innings in 2026.
While they have some exciting new additions, including Tatsuya Imai as the Astros’ first big splash of the offseason, the team has made several key moves overall. They also have Hunter Brown, who is expected to anchor the rotation alongside Imai. The pitching staff is shaping up to be strong, but adding a left-handed starter would help balance the rotation and keep it competitive.
Even with Framber Valdez’s likely departure, the Astros are in a solid position, though the question remains whether they will address that lefty need before Opening Day.