houston acquired right-hander Mike Burrows in a three-team trade Friday, sending outfielder Jacob Melton and minor league righty Anderson Brito to Tampa Bay, a move that signals the Astros aren’t finished addressing their pitching needs this offseason.
Astros Bolster Rotation, Still Eyeing Valdez
The Astros swung a six-player deal to add pitching depth, but remain engaged with free agent Framber Valdez.
- The Astros obtained controllable pitching in Mike Burrows, addressing a key need in their rotation.
- Despite trading for Burrows, the Astros are still pursuing free agent Framber Valdez, remaining in contact with his representatives.
- Houston aims to stay under the luxury tax threshold, potentially limiting their spending on Valdez.
- The Astros are also seeking relief pitching and a backup catcher.
As Astros general manager Dana Brown explained, “it’s not easy to part ways with triumphant pieces that you have that are high-end prospects. But when there are a lot of teams that need starters, that’s where the market is. A lot of teams need starters, and so you don’t want to lose out. So you have to get creative and pull from your depth and maybe fill that spot.”
Brown indicated that this trade might not be the end of Houston’s pitching moves, stating the club “will definitely pursue more pitching.” Discussions have taken place with free agent Framber Valdez, though Brown didn’t reveal specifics, noting he’s had “some back and forth” with Valdez’s camp.
This marks the first public indication of talks between Valdez and the Astros as Brown’s season wrap-up presser at the end of September, when he stated the two sides would remain in touch.While Brown’s latest comment doesn’t technically provide new information, it’s notable Valdez remains on Houston’s radar despite widespread assumptions he’ll sign elsewhere.
The Astros are aiming to avoid a third consecutive season exceeding the luxury tax threshold, and Valdez is projected to command a important contract. It was projected in November that Valdez could secure a five-year, $150MM contract, and teams like the Orioles, Mets, and Giants have been linked to the two-time All-Star. Though, those teams face their own hurdles-the Giants and Mets reportedly prefer shorter commitments for pitchers, and the Orioles recently signed Pete Alonso.
Provided that Valdez remains unsigned, a deal with the Astros remains a possibility. Brown acknowledged it costs little to maintain contact, in case common ground can be found or Valdez’s asking price decreases. However, the more likely scenario is Valdez joining another team, and the Astros will pursue pitching through lower-cost options.
Brown also stated he’s open to trades, but isn’t rushing to move players from their crowded infield or center fielder Jake meyers. Regarding Meyers,Brown said,”it’s a really good deal,we may consider it.But right now, Meyers is going to be a guy for us that’s going to play center field and it looks like he’s the frontline guy as of today.”
The trade of Melton is notable, as he was considered a potential center field successor if Meyers were dealt. Brown said Houston was comfortable dealing Melton due to the presence of Meyers and Zach Cole as center field options, along with Lucas Spence and Joseph Sullivan in the minor leagues. Cole is the only member of that group with MLB experience, having appeared in 15 games for the Astros in 2025.
Beyond the rotation, Brown said the Astros are also seeking relief pitching and a backup catcher. Victor Caratini remains available in free agency, but is expected to seek a more regular catching role than he would find sharing time with Yainer Diaz in Houston.
