Can the Astros Fix Their Pitching Problems Before the 2027 Season

The Houston Astros’ pitching performance was all over the place. They had a few players really step up, like Peter Lambert. Then, on May 25, Tatsuya Imai, Steven Okert, and Alimber Santa combined for a no-hitter in a 9-0 win over the Texas Rangers. Yet inconsistent performances on the mound contributed to some of their brutal losses. Houston used a club-record 19 starting pitchers, and the constant turnover caused some serious wear and tear.

As they gear up for the 2027 season, something needs to change, and pitching needs to be a priority. Based on the 2026 season, here is a look at the top three questions the Astros face when it comes to their pitching staff.

My personal verdict on this is no, but before we dive into that, let's take a look at the weaknesses from 2026. Let's start with injuries. Now, there is only so much they can do to prevent injuries, but it definitely knocked them down a notch, especially at the beginning of the season. With closers, relievers, and top starters all out with injuries, early on, the Astros found themselves with a shell of what their rotation should have been.

All of their efforts spent in the offseason attempting to strengthen their rotation by adding arms didn't pay off either. That is not necessarily something you can predict, but based on last season, it is something to examine and see how to avoid it.

They have plenty of arms to work with, clearly, but those arms just aren't working out. They need reliable depth that they don't have right now. The biggest issue is not the number of pitchers Houston used, but whether the team has enough dependable starters to get through an entire season.

At the very least, they need one more strong starter and one more strong reliever if they want the 2027 season to look different from 2026.

Speaking of arm additions that didn't pay off, Tatsuya Imai had a rough first season in the States. That is not to say that he won't settle in for his second season, but after struggling to make it out of the first inning in multiple starts, he was eventually moved to the bullpen.

Ironically, despite his brutal season, he pitched a combined no-hitter. He did have some solid outings, but never really built any momentum. If he can develop some consistency, he could become the pitcher the Astros expected him to be. The talent is there, but the consistency is not.

Imai reportedly plans to remain with Houston in 2027 instead of using the opt-out in his contract. Imai finished the season with a 4.93 ERA. The question now is whether the Astros will give him another opportunity in the rotation or keep him in the bullpen.

Mike Burrows, on the other hand, also had a tough season, finishing with a 5.99 ERA. He was also sidelined with right elbow and shoulder issues, and didn't get a chance to make a comeback before the season came to an end.

What does Houston need from them in 2027? They simply need consistency. Both pitchers will have something to prove in 2027, particularly if Houston expects them to play a bigger role in the rotation.

Hader might be excellent, but he can't do it alone. They really need another clutch reliever. Abreu struggled in the closer role when Hader was out, but once Hader returned, Abreu showed some improvement.

Then, there is Steven Okert, who had the best season of his career. It was unfortunate that his season ended with injury, but he was throwing from the mound at the end of the regular season, so he should be back up and running for 2027.

That said, with Abreu and Okert approaching free agency and Hader under contract through 2028, Houston has some decisions to make in terms of building toward the future. That could mean adding a strong middle reliever and improving the talent they already have, like Miguel Ullola. A little consistency goes a long way and could completely change the Astros bullpen.

The Astros have talented pitchers, but the biggest question is whether they can build a complete, consistent staff. They need reliable depth.