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Top Three Astros Pitchers Houston Can Count on in 2027
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- Top Three Astros Pitchers Houston Can Count on in 2027
(Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
Image 1:Erik Williams-Imagn Images, Image 2:Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images, Image 3: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The Houston Astros ' pitching performance was all over the place. They had a few players really step up, like Peter Lambert. Then, on May 25, Tatsuya Imai, Steven Okert, and Alimber Santa combined for a no-hitter in a 9-0 win over the Texas Rangers . Yet inconsistent performances on the mound contributed to some of their brutal losses. Houston used a club-record 19 starting pitchers, and the constant turnover caused some serious wear and tear.
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Despite the ups and downs, a few pitchers gave Houston something to count on. Here is a look at the Astros' top three pitchers from the 2026 season.
1. Hunter Brown
Ace Hunter Brown missed time early in the season due to a right shoulder strain, and the Astros took a hit. Once he returned, the season started to turn around. He was back and looking strong. Despite a string of solid outings, his worst outing came at the worst time.
Brown went from being the ace to a pitcher unable to make it out of the first inning of their elimination game. It was a tough way to end the season for the young pitcher, but if he can stay healthy in 2027, Brown will likely once again be one of Houston's most reliable arms.
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He finished the season with a 6-4 record, a 3.19 ERA, 124 strikeouts, and 20 starts across 107.1 innings.
2. Peter Lambert
Peter Lambert became one of the Astros' top starters when they needed him most. Through all the ups and downs, Lambert was their rock. He is definitely an arm they will want to hold on to.
Not only was he strong on the mound for the majority of the season and led the team in innings pitched, but he also managed to stay healthy, avoiding the injured list entirely.
There is a case to be made for Lambert becoming the ace, but can he keep up the pace and live up to the challenge? Replacing Brown as the ace is all speculation, of course.
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Lambert finished the season with an 8-10 record, a 3.82 ERA, 154 strikeouts, and 155.2 innings pitched.
3. Josh Hader
Hader was nothing short of excellent this season, aside from one rough outing. He was consistent and dependable in high-pressure situations, the kind of reliever fans watch walk to the mound and take a breath, knowing he's just up there adding another save.
The only issue here is that the Astros need another reliable late-inning option to fill in every once in a while. Hader is clutch, but he can't close every game. With Hader being sidelined with biceps tendinitis at the beginning of the season, 2026 was a perfect example of how important it is to have a reliable backup closer.
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Hader finished the season with a 4-2 record, a 1.01 ERA, 26 saves, and 55 strikeouts in 44.2 innings.
Houston has some strong arms, but three pitchers can't carry an entire staff. Adding a few dependable arms to the rotation and bullpen would be a game changer for Houston in 2027.
