Mike Burrows was nothing short of a sensation on the high school mound. In his senior year, he delivered a flawless 6-0 record, boasting a jaw-dropping 0.38 ERA and racking up 98 strikeouts over 44 innings.
Those numbers were enough to catch the eye of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who snagged him in the 11th round of the 2018 MLB Draft. Burrows chose the Pirates over a college career at the University of Connecticut, setting his sights on the big leagues.
Fast forward a few years, and Burrows found himself climbing the ranks in the minors before getting a taste of the majors late in the 2024 season. However, 2025 saw him back in Triple-A, honing his skills for another shot. Then came a pivotal moment in December, when the Pirates decided to trade him in a three-team deal involving the Tampa Bay Rays and the Houston Astros, landing Burrows in Houston.
While much of the buzz around Houston's pitching staff centers on newcomer Tatsuya Imai, Burrows has the potential to carve out a significant role. The Astros have a reputation for transforming pitchers into stars, and Burrows could be their next success story.
According to Joel Reuter from Bleacher Report, Burrows has the makings of something special if the Astros can harness the power of his fastball. The team paid a hefty price to get him, parting with outfielder Jacob Melton and right-hander Anderson Brito.
With club control through 2031 and some promising early signs, Burrows could be a long-term asset. His changeup was particularly lethal last season, holding opponents to a .147 average with a 43.1 percent whiff rate.
The Astros have a knack for maximizing such potential.
Beyond his standout changeup, Burrows possesses a devastating 12-6 curveball, making him a formidable presence on the mound. As he heads into the new season, all eyes will be on how he performs and whether he can solidify his spot in Houston's rotation.