Astros' Hunter Brown set to start opening day

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The Houston Astros are turning to 25-year-old Hunter Brown to be their opening day starter as they look to return to the playoffs in 2026. Brown had a breakout 2025 season, finishing third in the AL Cy Young voting after posting a 2.43 ERA and 206 strikeouts in 31 starts. He capped off a strong spring training with a solid outing against the Marlins, striking out six batters before being removed early to comply with spring training rules.

Why it matters

The Astros are hoping Brown can anchor their rotation and help the team bounce back after missing the playoffs in 2025. As one of the top young pitchers in the game, Brown's performance will be crucial to the Astros' chances of returning to the postseason and potentially contending for another World Series title.

The details

In his final Grapefruit League start, Brown threw 83 pitches and struck out six batters before being removed midway through the third and fourth innings to comply with spring training rules. The Astros have confirmed that Brown will be their opening day starter against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday.

• Brown had the best year of his young career in 2025, posting a 2.43 ERA in 31 starts.
• Brown finished third in the 2025 AL Cy Young race behind Garrett Crochet and Tarik Skubal.
• Brown will make his opening day start for the Astros on Thursday, March 28, 2026.

What’s next

The Astros will be closely watching Brown's performance on opening day as they look to get back to the playoffs in 2026 after a down year in 2025.