With less than two weeks remaining in spring training, the Houston Astros are closing in on their final Opening Day roster decisions.

Houston will begin the 2026 season on March 26 at Daikin Park against the Los Angeles Angels, marking the start of Joe Espada’s third season as manager. After missing the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2016, both Espada and general manager Dana Brown face significant pressure to return the Astros to postseason contention.

While some roster decisions remain uncertain, several players are already virtual locks to make the Opening Day roster.

Starting rotation mostly set

Houston Astros pitcher Hunter Brown throws a baseball.

Houston Astros pitcher Hunter Brown. | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

The Astros plan to use a six-man rotation in 2026, and most of those spots appear settled.

Expected starters include:

Hunter Brown (Opening Day starter)
Tatsuya Imai
Mike Burrows
Lance McCullers Jr.
Cristian Javier

Brown was officially named the Opening Day starter early in spring training, while Imai’s recent three-year contract with opt-outs makes him a clear part of the rotation plans.

Burrows has impressed throughout camp, while veterans McCullers and Javier provide experience and stability.

The final rotation spot will likely come down to Spencer Arrighetti or Ryan Weiss.

Bullpen already has several clear pieces

Houston Astros left fielder Jose Altuve signs an autograph.

Houston Astros left fielder Jose Altuve. | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Houston’s bullpen will feature several pitchers already locked into roles.

Confirmed or highly likely relievers include:

Bryan Abreu (closer)
Kai-Wai Teng
Roddery Muñoz
AJ Blubaugh

With Josh Hader expected to start the season on the injured list, Abreu is projected to take over closing duties.

Teng was acquired during the offseason and is expected to stick on the roster, while Muñoz and Blubaugh have both performed well during spring training.

Several bullpen spots remain open and will likely be determined during the final weeks of camp.

Position players largely determined

Most of Houston’s everyday lineup appears set as well.

Catchers

Yainer Diaz
Christian Vázquez

Infield

Christian Walker (1B)
Jose Altuve (2B)
Jeremy Peña (SS)
Carlos Correa (3B)

Outfield

Cam Smith (RF)
Jake Meyers (CF)
Joey Loperfido (LF)

Designated Hitter

Yordan Alvarez

Utility

Isaac Paredes

Altuve remains locked in at second base, while Walker and Correa solidify the corners of the infield. Meanwhile, Alvarez continues to anchor the lineup as the team’s primary designated hitter.

One potential complication involves Jeremy Peña, who suffered an injury during the World Baseball Classic. If he is not ready for Opening Day, he could begin the season on the injured list, which would open a spot for another infielder.

Final roster spots still undecided

Even with most positions settled, two roster spots remain open.

The Astros could fill those roles with:

Nick Allen as a utility infielder
Taylor Trammel as a fourth outfielder

However, those decisions are not guaranteed.

Players such as Zach Dezenzo and Zach Cole could also make strong cases during the final days of spring training.

Pressure building for Houston

The Astros are entering the season with clear expectations to return to the playoffs, especially after their surprising absence from the postseason last year.

While the core of the roster is already established, the final weeks of spring training will determine the last few spots — and could shape Houston’s chances of rebounding in 2026.