The Astros made a big splash by signing 27-year-old Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, an exciting addition for Houston. Their pitching staff now features a mix of veterans and young arms ready to make an impact in 2026. With Hunter Brown and Imai leading the rotation, who else on the younger side could make an impact? Here’s a look at the young talent that could shape Houston’s season.
Hunter Brown (Starting Pitcher) – 27
The Astros’ anchor in the rotation and emerging ace; expected to lead the staff.
Tatsuya Imai (Starting Pitcher) – 27
High-upside international signing; first big splash of the offseason with rotation potential.
Nate Pearson (Starting Pitcher) – 29
Hard-throwing right-hander; could be a top-of-the-rotation arm.
Hayden Wesneski (Starting/Relief Pitcher) – 28
Versatile arm; can start or relieve, adding depth to the rotation and bullpen.
Mike Burrows (Starting Pitcher) – 26
Young right-hander with promise; may compete for rotation innings right away.
Ryan Weiss (Starting Pitcher) – 29
KBO import with strong strikeout numbers; could stabilize the back of the rotation.
Miguel Ullola (Starting Pitcher) – 23
High-strikeout former minor league prospect; making his MLB debut in 2026.
Spencer Arrighetti (Pitcher) – 26
Provides mid-rotation or relief depth for the pitching staff.
A.J. Blubaugh (Pitcher) – 25
Young arm; likely to contribute in the bullpen or shuttle between MLB and minors.
Roddery Muñoz (Relief Pitcher) – 25
High-upside bullpen arm; can bring strikeouts in key innings.
Bryan Abreu (Relief Pitcher) – 28
Bullpen arm; reliable late-inning option.
Yordan Alvarez (Designated Hitter / Outfielder) – 28
Elite power bat; cornerstone of the lineup with big-game experience.
Jake Meyers (Center Fielder) – 29
Athletic outfielder; reliable both at the plate and in coverage.
César Salazar (Catcher) – 29
Experienced backstop; handles pitchers well and provides solid defense.
Yainer Díaz (Catcher) – 27
Key presence behind the plate; can manage the pitching staff and provide pop in the lineup.
Nick Allen (Infielder) – 27
Solid infielder; strong defensive coverage.
Shay Whitcomb (Outfielder / Infielder) – 27
Utility player who can cover multiple positions; adds depth and flexibility.
Isaac Paredes (Infielder) – 26
Power-hitting infielder; potential middle-of-the-order bat.
Zach Cole (Outfielder) – 25
Young outfielder with upside; could contribute on both sides of the ball.
Zach Dezenzo (Outfielder) – 25
Athletic outfielder; expected to provide depth and speed.
Brice Matthews (Infielder) – 23
High-upside young infielder; likely a future regular.
Cam Smith (Outfielder) – 22
Emerging talent; likely to contribute in limited action in 2026.