Bleacher Report Predicts the Astros Could Sign Tyler Mahle

The Houston Astros’ pitching staff needs help, and everyone knows it. On November 4, Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly predicted the Houston Astros would sign free-agent RHP Tyler Mahle.

Kelly projected a two-year, $39 million contract with a $22 million club option for 2029.

Mahle is 32 years old, and Kelly ranked him No. 20 on his list of the top 25 free agents.

Of course, this is just a prediction, not a confirmed signing or contract offer.

Tyler Fermin Mahle was born September 29, 1994, in Newport Beach, California. He is 6-foot-3 and weighs 212 pounds.

The right-handed starting pitcher was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh round of the 2013 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with Cincinnati back in 2017.

Since then, he has bounced around multiple MLB teams, including the Reds,  Twins, Rangers, Giants , and Braves.

He pitched for Texas in 2024 and 2025, and then signed a one-year, $10 million contract with San Francisco before 2026.

Mahle is an experienced starting pitcher who has pitched in the AL West, making him a potentially attractive candidate for the Astros' pitching staff.

Mahle made 27 starts in 2026, splitting the season between San Francisco and Atlanta.

San Francisco Giants: 18 starts, 3–9 record, 5.13 ERA, 94.2 IP, 89 K, 1.39 WHIP.

Atlanta Braves: 9 starts, 4–1 record, 1.99 ERA, 54.1 IP, 48 K, 0.96 WHIP.

2026: 27 starts, 7–10 record, 3.99 ERA, 149 IP, 137 K, 46 BB, 1.23 WHIP.

His turnaround with the Braves was a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent season.

Now, he does have an injury history. He underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2023, and right shoulder fatigue limited him to 16 starts with Texas in 2025. Despite the limited starts, he finished 2025 with a 2.18 ERA.

Then, in 2026, he missed nearly a month with a left hamstring strain, and an abdominal injury nearly prevented him from starting Game 2 of the 2026 NL Wild Card Series against Philadelphia. That said, he pitched seven innings and allowed one run in that postseason start.

Mahle has delivered strong performances, but injuries have interrupted several seasons.

Well, the Astros' pitching staff is thin, with Hunter Brown and Peter Lambert carrying much of the workload. His experience and performance could bring value to the rotation.

That said, his injury history might make him a risky investment.

Of course, this is all speculation. Mahle would give Houston another experienced starting pitcher, something the team needs, but his injury history and age raise questions. At 32 years old, and considering where Houston's pitching staff ended up in 2026, he might just be too risky a choice.