The Astros' Outfield Problem

"Framber Valdez became a free agent, and while he's still lingering on the market, a reunion with Houston never felt all that likely, given the contract he'll likely command and the team's aversion to long-term deals of that magnitude. Hayden Wesneski had Tommy John surgery late last May. Ronel Blanco followed a couple weeks later."

"The 'Stros have done well to bolster the starting staff. Their surprise deal with NPB star Tatsuya Imai gives them a potential high-end arm to replace Valdez. A trade acquisition of Pittsburgh righty Mike Burrows plugged a young, controllable arm into the fourth spot on the staff. Cheap rolls of the dice on former top prospect Nate Pearson and former D-backs/Royals farmhand , who's coming back over after a terrific two years in the Korea Baseball Organization, added some depth."

"A six-man group consisting of Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, Imai, Burrows, Weiss and Lance McCullers Jr. could be solid -- particularly if McCullers can be even serviceable. Depth arms abound. Spencer Arrighetti, , AJ Blubaugh, Colton Gordon, Jason Alexander and Miguel Ullola are all on the 40-man roster and all have minor league options remaining. Twenty-three-year-old Ethan Pecko had a nice season between Double-A and Triple-A last season and could get a look in 2026."

Offseason focus centered on improving the Astros' rotation and starting pitching depth after Framber Valdez became a free agent and multiple pitchers required Tommy John surgery. Hayden Wesneski, Ronel Blanco and Brandon Walter all underwent Tommy John procedures, creating uncertainty. Additions of NPB star Tatsuya Imai and trade acquisition Mike Burrows supply high-upside and controllable arms, while cheap bets on Nate Pearson and KBO standout Weiss provide depth. A possible six-man top group including Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, Imai, Burrows, Weiss and Lance McCullers Jr. could stabilize the rotation. The outfield remains largely unaddressed.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors