The Houston Astros’ pitching staff has been hit hard to open the 2026 season, with multiple starters and relievers currently on the injured list. As a result, general manager Dana Brown has indicated the team may rely on internal options to help stabilize the rotation in the short term.
While Kai-Wei Teng has been mentioned as a possible starter, Houston still needs an established arm to shoulder a heavy workload until key pitchers like Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier return. That would help reduce pressure on an overworked bullpen.
However, a recent roster move from the Philadelphia Phillies could open another opportunity for the Astros. Veteran right-hander and former All-Star Taijuan Walker was officially released on Thursday, making him a free agent despite still being owed money from his previous contract.
Walker, who signed a four-year deal worth $72 million before the 2023 season, struggled early in 2026 but has long been valued as an innings-eating starter since 2021. While his recent performance has dipped, his track record could appeal to Houston given their current pitching shortages.
With Brown and Tatsuya Imai both sidelined for the foreseeable future, the Astros are currently leaning on Mike Burrows and Lance McCullers Jr. as the only consistent starters who began the year in the rotation.
A low-cost, prove-it deal for Walker could make sense for Houston. If he rebounds, the team adds a veteran starter capable of stabilizing the rotation; if not, he still provides valuable depth.
Over his career, Walker owns a 4.27 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across more than 1,300 innings, along with a solid strikeout profile and a six-pitch mix. Combined with Houston’s top-five defensive unit, he could be positioned to limit damage even when allowing contact.
While not a guaranteed solution, Walker represents a realistic, low-risk option the Astros could explore to help address their pitching struggles.
