Opening Day is almost here, and while the Houston Astros are starting to take shape, the roster is still not fully set in stone. Between early injuries and surprise standout performances, the question remains: who will make the Astros’ Opening Day roster?
Jeremy Peña is recovering from a fractured finger he got while preparing for the World Baseball Classic, so whether he’s ready for March 26 is still up in the air. Additionally, Josh Hader will miss the start of the season after landing on the injured list.
With those questions in mind, the projected lineup is beginning to take shape. Jose Altuve, Isaac Paredes, Yordan Alvarez, Carlos Correa, Yainer Diaz, and Christian Walker are expected to anchor the infield, while Peña would step in at short if healthy.
The outfield remains a question mark. Joey Loperfido, Jake Meyers, Cam Smith, and Taylor Trammell are all competing for spots. Trammell, a left-handed hitter on a split contract and not on the 40-man roster, has impressed this spring and could earn a roster spot, while Zach Cole continues to struggle and is running out of time to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster.
On the mound, the Astros are expected to start with a six-man rotation, including Hunter Brown, Mike Burrows, Tatsuya Imai, Cristian Javier, Spencer Arrighetti, and Lance McCullers Jr. Brown, Burrows, and Imai have looked strong in camp. Javier is also showing improved velocity. During the first 13 games, one of these pitchers could be used in long relief or in a spot start.
As for the bullpen, Bryan Abreu will handle closing duties, joined by a mix of established relievers and non-roster candidates: Enyel De Los Santos, Bryan King, Steven Okert, Bennett Sousa, and Kai Wei-Teng and Ryan Weiss, who are being stretched as potential starters and still have minor-league options. Rule 5 pick Roddery Muñoz must remain on the 26-man roster, and Peter Lambert provides swingman depth with an opt-out clause.
Behind the plate, Salazar continues to be valued for his game-calling, while Vázquez adds veteran experience.
With injuries creating opportunities and spring training shaping decisions, the Astros’ Opening Day roster is still very much in flux. If Peña isn’t ready, Brice Matthews could fill a bench role and get outfield reps. The outcome of these roster battles will help set the tone for Houston’s early season, and fans will be watching closely.