One Major Red Flag in the Astros’ Projected 2026 Rotation
By now, Astros fans have likely seen the wave of national articles and social media posts projecting Houston’s starting rotation for the 2026 season. Most of the attention has understandably centered on Lance McCullers Jr. and his prominent inclusion in many of those forecasts. But beyond the familiar names, there’s a far more concerning trend hiding in plain sight.
Every projected Astros starter being discussed is right-handed.
Call me crazy, but running out a rotation made up entirely of right-handed
pitchers on a daily basis doesn’t feel like a formula for sustained success. Yes, the organization is expected to move on from left-hander Framber Valdez, but if Colton Gordon is truly the only left-handed starting option currently in the system, that signals there is still significant work ahead for Dana Brown and the Astros’ front office.
Whether that solution comes as part of a larger trade perhaps clearing the current infield logjam while adding young pitching talent, or through a more targeted deal specifically aimed at addressing this imbalance, it’s hard to believe the Astros are comfortable entering spring training with such a glaring lack of left-handed starters. At least one, if not multiple, southpaws should be on their radar before camp opens.
That’s not to say the projected rotation lacks quality. In fact, there’s plenty to like from top to bottom. Hunter Brown has firmly established himself as the ace and anchor of the staff, and there’s little reason to believe his trajectory is anything but upward. Replacing Framber Valdez with Tatsuya Imai was a savvy move by the front office, providing a strong presence near the top of the rotation.
Christian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti are expected to factor into the top five, while newcomers Mike Burrows and Ryan Weiss bring intriguing upside as potential contributors. McCullers, entering the final year of his contract, will be given every opportunity to earn a rotation spot. Should he fall short, veteran arms such as Jason Alexander and J.P. France could pitch their way into consideration. Even young prospects like A.J. Blubaugh will be given a legitimate chance to prove they belong among the club’s top six starters.
The Astros have already indicated that early-season scheduling, injury management, and workload concerns will lead them to deploy a six-man rotation. That makes the lack of left-handed balance even more noticeable. As things currently stand, Colton Gordon appears to be the lone left-handed starter with a chance to be utilized when the team breaks camp. Whether he secures a permanent spot in the rotation or not is going to be determined by how he pitches this spring along with injuries and potential additions to the club.
For that reason alone, expect Dana Brown to remain active and creative in the coming months. Adding at least one left-handed starter before Opening Day feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity.
One way or another, the Astros’ 2026 rotation will change between now and Opening Day. The question isn’t if Dana Brown adds a left-handed arm, it’s who? how? and how soon?
