With Opening Day just two weeks away, the Houston Astros appear determined to reclaim what slipped from their grasp in 2025 — the American League West crown.
For nearly a decade, Houston dominated the division with seven straight full-season titles and nine playoff appearances. That streak finally ended last season when the Seattle Mariners captured the division.
Now the Astros are trying to respond the only way they know how: by rebuilding a formidable pitching staff.
And early signs suggest they may have quietly assembled a new “Big Three” rotation.
Astros rebuilt rotation after turbulent 2025
Houston Astros pitcher Ryan Weiss (51) pitches during a spring training workout | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The 2025 season exposed major weaknesses in Houston’s pitching depth.
Injuries decimated the rotation, forcing the front office to search aggressively for replacements. The situation became even more pressing after the offseason departure of their former ace, who signed with the Detroit Tigers.
To address the issue, Houston targeted affordable but high-upside pitchers through both free agency and trades.
Among the most notable additions were:
- Tatsuya Imai
- Mike Burrows
- Ryan Weiss
Early spring results suggest those moves may already be paying off.
New additions impressing in spring training
Houston Astros. Pitcher Mike Burrows (50) hydrates during spring training | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Ryan Weiss has delivered one of the most eye-catching performances in Astros camp.
Across 7.1 innings, he has allowed just five hits while striking out nine, posting an impressive 1.23 ERA. His strong showing has already helped him secure a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Meanwhile, both Imai and Burrows have been even more dominant in limited action.
Combined, the two pitchers have produced:
- 14.2 innings pitched
- 5 hits allowed
- 17 strikeouts
- 0 runs allowed
Those performances have quickly placed them in contention to become Houston’s No. 2 and No. 3 starters.
Hunter Brown leading the way
Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) greets starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) in the dugout during the second inning in game four of the 2019 ALDS playoff baseball series against the Tampa Bay Rays | Kim Klement-Imagn Images
At the top of the rotation stands Hunter Brown, who continues to look like a true ace.
The former Cy Young finalist has been outstanding this spring, throwing nearly nine innings while allowing just two hits and one earned run. He has also racked up 14 strikeouts, a pace that resembles a dominant complete-game performance in a regular season start.
With Brown anchoring the staff and both Imai and Burrows showing early promise, the Astros may have the foundation for a formidable trio.
Echoes of the Astros’ legendary 2019 trio
The last time Houston possessed a clearly dominant pitching trio was 2019, when the rotation featured:
- Justin Verlander
- Gerrit Cole
- Zack Greinke
That group combined for a staggering 59–16 record, 2.67 ERA, and 813 strikeouts across 644 innings. Both Verlander and Cole finished as Cy Young finalists, with Verlander narrowly winning the award.
While it would be unrealistic to expect Brown, Imai, and Burrows to replicate that historic level immediately, the early signs are encouraging.
Returning arms still bring uncertainty
Of course, Houston’s rotation still includes several pitchers returning from injury or inconsistent seasons.
Cristian Javier, once a dominant strikeout pitcher, is still working his way back after Tommy John surgery in 2024. His mechanics remain a work in progress.
Spencer Arrighetti showed promise early last season before a fractured thumb derailed his progress. His year ended prematurely after developing elbow inflammation in September.
Meanwhile, Lance McCullers Jr. remains a major question mark given his long injury history.
Because of that uncertainty, the emergence of new starters has become even more important.
Why Imai and Burrows are generating excitement
Houston’s front office has already expressed confidence in its newest pitchers.
General manager Dana Brown recently praised Mike Burrows, noting how impressive he looked in person after the Astros acquired him.
Meanwhile, Tatsuya Imai arrives with an exceptional track record from Japan. In his final season there, he posted:
- 163.2 innings pitched
- WHIP under 0.90
- 178 strikeouts
- Five complete games
His fastball has already reached 98.5 mph during spring training, hinting that even more velocity could appear once the regular season begins.
A young trio entering its prime
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Houston’s potential rotation trio is their age.
Brown, Imai, and Burrows are all under 30, and none will reach that mark until 2029. That means the Astros could have a core group of starters squarely in the middle of their prime.
If their early performances carry over into the regular season, Houston may have discovered multiple hidden gems.
And if the trio continues developing together, the Astros might once again possess the type of rotation capable of dominating the American League.
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