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The Houston Astros will be headed to West Palm Beach, Florida is just a few short weeks to begin spring training, and they have their sights sets on a return to the MLB Postseason. Last season, Houston missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017, and are eager to get back to playing baseball in October.
With an aging Jose Altuve, a depleted farm system, and a roster that seems to be getting more and more expensive ever year, the Astros' championship window isn't opened as wide as it once was. In fact, some might believe it's already closed.
But optimistic Astros fans still see a chance for this year's team to not only compete for the AL West crown, but a spot in the World Series as well. Knowing what we know at this moment, let's take a peak ahead to what the Astros Opening Day roster might look like ahead of this year's spring training.
Projecting the Astros' 2026 Opening Day roster
Astros 2026 Opening Day starting lineup (9)
Yainer Diaz (C), Christian Walker (1B), Isaac Paredes (2B), Jeremy Peña (SS), Carlos Correa (3B), Jose Altuve (LF), Jake Meyers (CF), Jesús Sanchez (RF), Yordan Alvarez (DH)
At the moment, the Astros starting lineup is a jumbled mess. It's anyone's guess how manager Joe Espada is going to fill out his lineup card on a daily basis, espeically if no traded are made between now and Opening Day. Jeremy Peña, Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve, Yainer Diaz, and Yordan Alvarez can have their names written in permanent ink. Those five players will be on the field on Opening Day.
While Astros fans wish it weren't the case, Christian Walker will likely be manning the cold corner when the 2026 season gets underway. Walker's been linked to trade rumors throughout the offseason, but his $20 million pay day will make it difficult to offload his contract from the books.
Isaac Paredes is arguably the Astros' best trade chip, but there's been no traction on a potential deal. Houston would likely love to deal Jesús Sanchez as well, but his performance during the second-half of the season will have most organizations leery of a trade for the former Marlins slugger. Jake Meyers' name was briefly mentioned in trade rumors this offseason, but without Jacob Melton, his spot on the Astros Opening Day roster feels safe.
Astros 2026 Opening Day bench (4)
Zach Cole, Nick Allen, Christian Vazquez, Cam Smith
Frankly, the Astros bench might offer more clarity at the moment than the starting lineup. Nick Allen will take on the role of utility infielder — especially if Walker and Paredes are still on the roster. Cam Smith will have to earn his spot on the 26-man roster, but he's been rumored to be laser focused and preparing for 2026 following his rookie season.
Zach Cole may have shown enough at the tailend of the 2025 season to occupy a spot on the Astros Opening Day roster. Zach Dezenzo, Shay Whitcomb, and Bryce Matthews will all be in the mix for that final bench spot as well.
If the season started today, Cesar Salazar would be Houston's backup catcher, but there's enough smoke surrounding a reunion with Christian Vazquez, that fans will likely see a done before spring training gets underway.
Astros 2026 Opening Day starting rotation (6)
Tatsuya Imai, Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, Mike Burrows, Ryan Weiss, Lance McCullers Jr.
The Astros are planning to begin the year with a six-man starting rotation, and thanks to their offseason additions, Houston has six formidable arms they can deploy. Hunter Brown will undoubtedly get the Opening Day start and will likely be followed by Cristian Javier and Tatsuya Imai.
The back of the rotation is where things get tricky. Mike Burrows, one of the Houston's biggest offseason pickups, will be leaned on heavily this season. The Astros added Ryan Weiss over the winter, and have every intention of sending him out as a starter. Seeing as how the Astros have no plans to eat the remainder of Lance McCullers Jr.'s contact, look for the righty to fill the sixth and final spot.
Astros 2026 Opening Day bullpen (7)
Josh Hader, Bryan King, Bryan Abreu, Nate Pearson, Roddery Muñoz, Steven Okert, Enyel De Los Santos
The bullpen is surprisingly well stocked with talent heading into spring training. It's also the most unpredictable aspect of the Astros roster, so these predictions are sure to go wrong about midway through the first week of camp.
Josh Hader and Bryan Abreu are locks, and Roddery Muñoz, Nate Pearson, Steven Okert, and Enyel De Los Santos are all out of minor league options. If the Astros hope to keep those pitchers in the fold, look for that quartet to break camp with the big league club. Tom Cosgrove and Bennett Sousa will be vying with Bryan King as the third lefty in the pen.