The Houston Astros will be in the market for starting pitching this offseason. With Framber Valdez more than likely gone in free agency, Houston’s starting rotation has very little depth beyond Hunter Brown. Therefore, the Astros want starting pitchers and seem to be targeting one from Tampa Bay.
According to The Athletic’s Chandler Rome, Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane Baz has emerged as one target in the Astros’ search for starting pitching. A trade for Baz is not believed to be close, and some sources think a trade is “unlikely,” per Rome.
Baz, who is under team control for three more years, struggled to perform in 2025. The 26-year-old starting pitcher posted a 4.87 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 31 starts. Baz pitched 166 innings in 2025, which is more than his previous four years combined in MLB.
Even if a trade for Baz is unlikely, it is clear that Houston is searching for a long-term solution with its rotation. Brown is a Cy Young-caliber starting pitcher, but there isn’t much depth beyond him. The Astros figure to be active over the coming days and weeks, with most of the activity focused on pitching.
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