With the 2026 season opener two weeks away, most of the Astros’ Opening Day 26-man roster is coming into focus. A few spots, however, remain unsettled. After the signing of Christian Vázquez and the announcement that Josh Hader will start the season on the IL, here’s my second pass at how things could shake out:
Starting pitchers: Hunter Brown, Christian Javier, Tatsuya Imai, Mike Burrows, Spencer Arrighetti, Lance McCullers Jr
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Also considered: None
Everything appears to have gone according to plan for the four perceived rotation locks — Brown, Javier, Burrows, and Imai — along with Arrighetti and McCullers, the favorites for the final two spots. All six are healthy, and all six have been effective in most of their outings.
Bullpen: Bryan Abreu, Bryan King, Steven Okert, AJ Blubaugh, Ryan Weiss, Bennett Sousa, Enyel De Los Santos
Also considered: Roddery Muñoz, Peter Lambert, Nate Pearson, Kai-Wei Teng
We know Josh Hader will start the season on the IL, but I’m working under the assumption that Enyel De Los Santos, who is scheduled to throw a live BP on Friday, will be ready for Opening Day.
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Slow-playing things and having De Los Santos start the season on the IL would open a roster spot for Rule 5 pick Muñoz, who must remain on the roster all season or be sent back to Cincinnati. His velocity and strikeout numbers have been impressive this spring. The Astros could send Muñoz back to the Reds and then try to re-acquire him via trade.
Former second round pick Peter Lambert has put himself on the radar with an impressive spring following a season in Japan.
Catchers: Yainer Diaz, Christian Vázquez
Also considered: Cèsar Salazar
Vázquez has been with Puerto Rico in the WBC since rejoining the Astros on a minor league deal last week, but I don’t think he signed with the intention of starting the season in Sugar Land. Salazar is out of options, however, so sending him down risks losing him on the waiver wire. I think the Astros will ultimately take that risk.
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Infielders: Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Jeremy Peña, Christian Walker, Isaac Paredes, Nick Allen
Also considered: Brice Matthews, Zach Dezenzo
I am working under the assumption that Peña will not need to start the season on the IL. He’s scheduled to be re-evaluated next week, so we’ll have a clearer picture then.
Outfielders/DH: Yordan Alvarez Jake Meyers, Zach Cole, Cam Smith, Joey Loperfido
Also considered: Taylor Trammell, Zach Dezenzo
Loperfido has hit in four straight games after a dreadful start, so I have him moving ahead of Trammell, who has had a nice spring himself. Cole’s numbers haven’t been great, but he has done a good job of getting on base, and I think the Astros would like for him to make the Opening Day roster.
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