Framber Valdez leaving Houston marked the end of an era, removing the Astros’ most dependable starter from a rotation that once felt imposing.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) pitches. | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Valdez was the top remaining arm on the market, and his three-year deal with Detroit confirmed Houston’s pitching landscape had shifted dramatically.
While reports suggested mutual interest in a reunion, the Astros quickly pivoted once the contract numbers became unavoidable.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) walks into the dugout. | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
That pivot places Hunter Brown firmly at the top of the rotation, a role carrying both confidence and pressure.
Without Valdez, the Astros’ starting staff looks noticeably thinner across the league landscape.
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Mike Burrows (53) delivers a pitch. | James A. Pittman-Imagn Images
FanGraphs currently ranks Houston’s rotation twenty-first in Major League Baseball for the 2026 season.
Behind Brown, the projected group includes Christian Javier, Tatsuya Imai, Mike Burrows, and Lance McCullers Jr.
On paper, the unit lacks the intimidation factor Houston rotations once carried into every series.
Still, upside remains, particularly with Brown coming off a top-three Cy Young finish last season.
McCullers finally enters a full offseason healthy, something the Astros have waited years to see.
Imai’s unfamiliar profile could challenge hitters early, especially during his initial run through the league.
The Astros’ confidence in Burrows is notable, given the assets required to acquire him in a multi-team trade.
Burrows delivered a sub-four ERA with strong strikeout numbers during his first full major-league season.
Depth options like Spencer Arrighetti and Kai-Wei Teng offer serviceable innings, though neither provides certainty.
As spring training begins, this group has time to redefine expectations and quiet outside skepticism.
The Astros still expect to reach the postseason, but this time, the margin for pitching error feels far thinner.
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