The Houston Astros have officially kicked off their offseason with a notable move, acquiring right-hander Mike Burrows from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-team deal that also involved the Tampa Bay Rays. It’s the kind of trade that signals more than just a roster adjustment - it’s a window into how Houston plans to navigate a tricky offseason shaped by financial constraints and roster logjams.
Let’s unpack what this move means and what could be coming next.
Mike Burrows: A Bet on Upside
By bringing in Burrows, the Astros are clearly betting on potential. The 24-year-old righty has flashed promise in the minors with a solid fastball-curveball combo and the kind of pitchability that fits Houston’s mold.
He’s not a plug-and-play ace, but the Astros have a track record of turning arms like his into reliable rotation pieces. This move suggests they believe Burrows can contribute at the big-league level sooner rather than later - and do so at a team-friendly cost.
That last part matters, because Houston’s front office is walking a financial tightrope.
The Luxury Tax Looms Large
Final Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) numbers confirmed what many suspected: the Astros went over the luxury tax threshold in 2025. That’s significant, because owner Jim Crane has made it clear he doesn’t want to repeat that in 2026.
As a result, Houston isn’t expected to be major players in free agency - and the Burrows trade fits that philosophy. It’s a low-cost, high-upside move that keeps the team competitive without adding to the payroll burden.
So if you’re wondering why the Astros haven’t been linked to the big-name free agents this winter, look no further than the tax line. Houston’s path forward is likely to be paved with trades - and Burrows might just be the first domino.
More Moves on Deck?
According to reporting from The Athletic, GM Dana Brown and his staff are actively exploring more creative trades to keep the team competitive in the short term while improving flexibility down the line. That means the Burrows deal probably isn’t a one-off - it’s the beginning of a broader strategy.
Even after parting with outfield prospect Jacob Melton in the Burrows deal, outfielder Jake Meyers remains a name to watch. Meyers is coming off his best offensive season in the majors and is under team control for two more years - a valuable combination for clubs looking for a cost-effective outfield upgrade. The Cincinnati Reds, for example, could make sense as a trade partner given their outfield needs and surplus of young, controllable pitching.
But trading Meyers would come with risk. It would likely mean handing over center field duties to Zach Cole, a promising but untested young outfielder. That’s a bold move for a team still aiming to contend, but it could be the kind of calculated gamble that opens the door to bigger roster improvements elsewhere.
The Infield Puzzle
Then there’s the infield - a crowded, complicated picture that Houston still needs to sort out. The ideal scenario?
Finding a trade partner for Christian Walker. But that’s easier said than done.
The Winter Meetings made it clear that moving Walker’s contract won’t be simple.
Still, the Astros have another chip in Isaac Paredes, a younger, more affordable bat who could generate interest from teams looking to boost their offense. Paredes had a strong 2025 campaign and, like Meyers, offers value thanks to his production and contract status. If Houston can flip either player for pitching or fill another roster hole, it would go a long way toward balancing the books - and the lineup.
Don’t Forget the Catcher Spot
While it hasn’t been a headline topic, adding a backup catcher is likely on the Astros’ to-do list as well. Depth behind the plate is always important, especially for a team with postseason aspirations, and it’s one of those subtle moves that could pay off down the stretch.
Walking the Tightrope
This isn’t shaping up to be a flashy offseason for the Astros - and that’s by design. With the luxury tax acting as a ceiling and the roster in need of some reshuffling, Houston is trying to thread the needle: stay competitive now while setting themselves up for sustained success.
It’s a delicate balance, but if they play their cards right - and find the right trade partners - this could be the kind of offseason that quietly keeps the Astros in the thick of the AL race, even as they reshape their roster for the future.