Houston strengthens its pitching staff with a cost-controlled arm as offseason reshaping continues
The Houston Astros have taken a significant step toward stabilizing their rotation. To address a glaring need for starting pitching depth, Houston is acquiring right-hander Mike Burrows from the Pittsburgh Pirates as part of a three-team trade involving the Tampa Bay Rays, multiple league sources told The Athletic on Friday.
If physicals are cleared and the deal is finalized, the move will reshape all three clubs as they head into a pivotal offseason.
Why Mike Burrows Matters for Houston
For the Astros, the addition of Burrows provides both immediate rotation support and long-term value.
The 26-year-old right-hander just completed his first season with significant major-league experience, posting a 3.94 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 96 innings. He won’t reach free agency until after the 2031 season, making him exactly the kind of affordable, club-controlled starter Houston has targeted throughout the winter.
Burrows is no stranger to prospect acclaim. He appeared in the MLB Futures Game in 2022 and was ranked as the Pirates’ No. 7 prospect prior to last season by The Athletic’s Keith Law.
The Astros also had a close look at him early last year. In his third start of the season against Houston, Burrows struck out six hitters over 5 1/3 scoreless innings, leaving a strong impression.
A New-Look Astros Rotation Takes Shape
Burrows is expected to slot behind Cy Young finalist Hunter Brown in what is rapidly becoming a revamped Houston rotation.
The urgency is clear. With Framber Valdez expected to depart in free agency, Brown is currently the only returning Astros pitcher who threw at least 100 major-league innings last season. That reality has made rotation a top priority.
A reunion with Valdez, or the pursuit of a high-end free-agent starter, was widely viewed as unlikely. Houston is closely monitoring its proximity to the luxury tax, which limits its financial flexibility.
Financial Reality Driving Astros’ Decisions
Houston’s offseason has been defined by tough choices.
The club has already saved an estimated $15.8 million by:
- Trading utility man Mauricio Dubón to the Atlanta Braves
- Moving on from Chas McCormick, Ramón Urías, and injured pitcher Luis Garcia
Low-cost, high-upside additions like Nate Pearson and Ryan Weiss are expected to compete for rotation spots, further reinforcing Houston’s budget-conscious approach.
Friday’s trade underscored that reality once again.
Rays and Pirates Each Address Key Needs
Tampa Bay has long been intrigued by Jacob Melton, and sources indicate the Rays also expressed interest in Anderson Brito during Winter Meetings discussions. While Houston had interest in Rays starter Shane Baz, the final framework centered on prospects instead.
For Pittsburgh, acquiring Brandon Lowe, an All-Star and impending free agent, injects much-needed offense into a lineup that struggled to score. The Pirates have already leveraged their surplus of pitching to add outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia from the Boston Red Sox, signaling a clear shift toward balancing the roster.