Astros Outfield, Rotation Remain Unsettled Ahead of Season

Astros manager Joe Espada declines to name starters as front office explores trade options

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Houston Astros are still looking to add a left-handed hitting outfielder with three weeks until the start of the regular season. Manager Joe Espada has not yet named starters in the outfield, with Jake Meyers, Cam Smith, and Zach Cole competing for spots. The back end of the Astros' rotation also has uncertainty, as the team plans to use a six-man rotation to start the season.

Why it matters

The Astros' outfield and rotation depth will be crucial to their success in defending their World Series title. Solidifying the outfield and back-end of the rotation could be the difference between another deep playoff run and an early exit.

The details

The Astros spent most of the offseason looking to add a left-handed hitting outfielder, but that move has not materialized. Espada declined to name starters in the outfield, though Jake Meyers appears to be the safest bet in center field after a strong 2022 season. Cam Smith and Zach Cole are less established options. The Astros also have uncertainty in the back end of their rotation, with Tatsuya Imai, Mike Burrows, Ryan Weiss, and Nate Pearson competing for the final two spots behind Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier. Pearson is currently dealing with elbow soreness and is expected to start the season on the injured list.

  • The Astros have three weeks until the start of the regular season.
  • Pearson has slowed down his throwing program due to elbow soreness.

The players

Joe Espada

Manager of the Houston Astros.

Dana Brown

General manager of the Houston Astros.

Jake Meyers

A 29-year-old outfielder for the Houston Astros, known for his plus defense in center field and improved offensive production in 2022.

Cam Smith

A top prospect acquired by the Astros in the Kyle Tucker trade, who made his MLB debut in September 2022.

Zach Cole

An outfielder who debuted with the Astros in September 2022, hitting four home runs in his first 15 games.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not ready to say that. Obviously, we know what Jake Meyers can do in center, I feel really good about that. I feel really good about what Cam Smith can do in right. Zach Cole and the rest of those guys can play all three. But when it comes to who's in there day one, not there yet.”

— Joe Espada, Manager (The Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Astros will continue to evaluate their outfield and rotation options during spring training, with the goal of solidifying their lineup and pitching staff before Opening Day.

The takeaway

The Astros' ability to address the uncertainty in their outfield and back-end of the rotation will be crucial to their chances of defending their World Series title. While they have promising internal options, adding a veteran left-handed hitting outfielder could provide a significant boost to their lineup.