Astros could open the season with a six-man rotation

The Astros officially introduced Tatsuya Imai at Daikin Park this morning. The surprise three-year deal continues a pitching-focused offseason for a losing Houston team Framber Valdez to freedom of choice. The Astros also acquired Mike Burrows in a trade that cost two of their better prospects while adding potential back-end starters Ryan Weiss And Nate Pearson on cheap one-year deals.

Manager Joe Espada said at Imai’s press conference that the club will likely rely on a six-man rotation a lot throughout the season (link via Chandler Rome of The Athletic). That could be the case from day one, because the skipper indicated that he could start the year with an extra starter. Espada pointed to the team’s heavy workload early in the season. The Astros have just two days off between opening day on March 26 and April 22. Barring rain, they will play 26 matches in the first 28 days.

Hunter Brown is the clear #1 starter, with Valdez expected to go elsewhere. Imai and Burrows fit in the middle of the rotation Christian Javier is lining up for a spot somewhere in that 2-4 mix. Options for the final rotation spot or two include Weiss, Pearson, AJ Blubaugh, Spencer Arrighetti, Jason Alexander, Lance McCullers Jr. and prospect Miguel Ullola. Weiss, who signed for $2.6 million after pitching a 2.87 ERA with a 28.6% strikeout rate in Korea, will likely end up near the top of that group.

There are sustainability and/or experience questions for everyone betting behind Brown. Javier was a quality starter at best, but was up and down when he returned from Tommy John surgery in the second half of 2025. This will be Burrows’ first full season in the major leagues. Neither Imai nor Weiss have pitched in the MLB. Arrighetti and McCullers battled through injuries last year and were ineffective when healthy. Blubaugh has made three career starts. Alexander, JP France And Colton Gordon they all look more like depth arms than rotational stalwarts.

Considering the collection questions for almost everyone after Brown, it would be wise to lighten their workload early in the season. However, that would mean one fewer spot in the bullpen, given the thirteen pitcher limit. Houston has six relievers who, when healthy, are slam dunks or near-locks for the MLB roster: Josh Hader, Bryan Abreu, Steven Okert, Bennett Sousa, Bryan King And Enyel De Los Santos. They also bring Rule 5 choice Rodder Mñoz to camp and would have to place him on the MLB roster to preserve his contractual rights. Spring Training injuries and any offseason additions will change the picture.