Getting a controllable and talented young arm like Burrows is a nice addition for the Astros, even at the significant cost of two notable youngsters from Houston’s farm system. As Brown put it: “it is not easy to say goodbye to successful pieces that you have and that show promise. But if there are a lot of teams that need starters, that’s where the market is. A lot of teams need starters and that’s why you don’t want to lose. So you have to get creative and pull from your depth and maybe fill that spot.”
Burrows could be the start of Houston’s work on this front, as Brown told his club:will definitely pursue more pitching.” This endeavor has generated at least some debate Framber Valdez about a possible reunion, but Brown obviously didn’t reveal any details other than to say hesome back and forth” with Valdez’s camp.
This is the first indication of talks between Valdez and the Astros since Brown’s season-ending contract in late September, when he stated that the two sides would remain in contact. While Brown’s latest comment doesn’t technically provide any new information on this front, it’s somewhat notable that Valdez could still remain on Houston’s radar even in a mild way, as he’s widely expected to sign elsewhere.
The Astros are known to want to avoid the luxury tax for the third straight season, and Valdez will likely strike a deal that is far too expensive for Houston. MLBTR projected Valdez to a five-year, $150 million contract, and teams like the Orioles, Mets and Giants have been linked to the two-time All-Star. However, that interest has not yet resulted in a deal, and some obstacles remain for Valdez with any of those suitors. The Giants and Mets are reportedly not keen on long-term contracts for pitchers, and the O’s have already made a huge free agent push by signing Pete Alonso.
As long as Valdez is not signed, there is still a chance a deal can be made between the two sides. It costs Brown nothing to contact Valdez out of pure due diligence, in case common ground can be found or if Valdez’s asking price drops. That said, the much more likely scenario is that Valdez will be on another team’s roster in 2026, and the Astros will look to add pitching via cheaper signings and/or trades.
Brown said he’s open to all possibilities on the trade front, though he again suggested the Astros weren’t necessarily in a rush to make a trade, either from their busy interior or their known trade target. Jake Meyers. Speaking specifically about Meyers, Brown said: “it’s really a good deal, we can consider it. But for now, Meyers will be a man for us playing in midfield and it looks like he will be the man on the front line from today..”
The fact that the Astros moved Melton is notable, as he was thought to be a potential heir apparent in center field if Meyers was dealt. Brown said Houston ultimately felt comfortable dealing with Melton because of Meyers’ presence and Zach Cole as midfield options, plus Luke Spence And Joseph Sullivan further down the minor league pipeline. Besides Meyers, Cole is the only member of that group with any MLB experience, and Cole’s resume includes 15 games with the Astros in 2025.
In addition to the rotation, Brown said the Astros are also looking for relief pitching and a backup catcher. Victor Caratini remains available in free agency, although the expectation is that Caratini will be more likely to find a permanent job with another team rather than rejoin the Astros to split time with Yainer Diaz behind the plate.
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