How the Mets’ Pitching Pursuit Could Shape the Astros’ Free-Agent Plans

The starting pitching market is heating up, and the ripple effects could reach all the way to the Houston Astros. According to a recent Sports Illustrated report, the New York Mets have opened conversations with one of the top remaining free-agent starters. While the report did not identify the pitcher by name, the Mets' involvement alone signals that the top tier of the market is about to move — and that matters in Houston.

The Astros have spent much of early offseason evaluating their rotation options after a 2024 campaign filled with injuries and inconsistency. With Justin Verlander turning 42 before Opening Day and several young starters still developing, Houston has every reason to stay active in the pitching market. When major-market teams like the Mets accelerate talks, it often triggers a chain reaction of signings and price spikes.

Why It Matters for the Astros

Houston’s front office has shown frugality in recent winters, but the margin for error is shrinking. The rotation currently features Verlander, Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, and a cluster of question marks behind them. If the Mets drive the price higher on frontline arms, Houston could be forced either to act quickly or pivot toward mid-tier options.

Another wrinkle: the Mets’ aggressive reputation under owner Steve Cohen often resets the market. For the Astros, who balance long-term payroll concerns with immediate postseason aspirations, that dynamic can complicate timing and strategy.

Even if the pitcher the Mets are pursuing is not on Houston’s board, the domino effect will be. Every deal for a top starter narrows the field, increases demand for the next tier, and shifts negotiating leverage away from teams like the Astros hoping for value.

What’s Next

The Astros have not been publicly tied to any major free-agent starters so far, but the front office tends to work quietly. If the Mets or another big spender lands a top arm soon, Houston may find itself at a crossroads: invest aggressively, explore the trade market, or trust internal development.

With spring training only weeks away, the clock is ticking — and the pressure is rising — for a team still capable of contending but in need of reinforcements.

This article is a summary of reporting by Sports Illustrated. Read the full story here.