JUST IN ; Houston Astros Eye Contract Extension for Emerging Star Hunter Brown in Starting Rotation

Houston Astros Eye Contract Extension for Emerging Star Hunter Brown in Starting Rotation

A Rising Star in the Houston Astros Rotation

As the Houston Astros enter the 2025 season, one name stands out in their pitching rotation—Hunter Brown. Once regarded as a promising young prospect, Brown has now established himself as a key figure in the Astros’ starting five. His performance over the past two seasons has placed him in discussions for a potential contract extension, with Houston looking to lock in his talents for the long haul.

Brown’s rise has been remarkable. After making his debut in 2022, the right-hander showed glimpses of his potential but struggled with consistency. However, by the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he evolved into a reliable starter, demonstrating a powerful fastball, sharp breaking pitches, and the ability to generate strikeouts at a high rate. Now, with the Astros in a transitional phase following the departure of longtime star Alex Bregman, Brown represents the future of the franchise’s pitching staff.

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Hunter Brown’s Evolution: From Struggles to Stardom

The early part of Brown’s 2024 season was challenging. He started with an 0-4 record and a bloated 9.78 ERA in his first six starts. However, on May 5, 2024, everything changed. Brown introduced a sinker into his pitching arsenal—a move that drastically altered his performance.

This new pitch allowed him to induce more ground balls, giving him another weapon alongside his powerful four-seam fastball and devastating curveball. The results were immediate. Brown settled in, finishing the season with an 11-9 record, a much-improved 3.49 ERA, and 179 strikeouts over roughly 170 innings. His ability to bounce back from early struggles solidified his reputation as a resilient and adaptable pitcher.

Now entering 2025, Brown has fully secured a spot in Houston’s rotation and is expected to take on even more responsibility. With veteran arms like Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier also in the mix, Brown’s role as a key starter is unquestioned.

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Astros’ Rotation Outlook and Brown’s Role in 2025

The Astros have undergone significant changes in recent years. Their once-dominant pitching staff has seen departures, injuries, and aging veterans. However, Houston remains a competitive force, largely due to their ability to develop and retain pitching talent.

Going into the 2025 season, the expected Astros starting rotation is:

Framber Valdez (LHP) – Ace of the staff, reliable veteran

Cristian Javier (RHP) – High strikeout potential, looking for a bounce-back season

Hunter Brown (RHP) – Young star with breakout potential

J.P. France (RHP) – Consistent middle-of-the-rotation arm

Justin Verlander (RHP) – The veteran presence, but in the twilight of his career

With Justin Verlander nearing the end of his Hall of Fame career and Framber Valdez inching closer to free agency, the Astros are eager to secure long-term stability in their rotation. That makes Hunter Brown an ideal candidate for an extension.

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Why the Astros Should Extend Hunter Brown Now

Brown is currently on a one-year contract worth $800,000 for the 2025 season. He will be eligible for arbitration starting in 2026 and is set to reach free agency in 2028. If Houston wants to keep him beyond that, they will need to act quickly.

Several factors make Brown a prime extension candidate:

1. Avoiding a Skyrocketing Price Tag

Pitching is expensive. If Brown continues his upward trajectory, his arbitration years will be costly, and his free-agent value could soar. Extending him now could save the Astros millions in future payroll obligations.

2. Locking in a Young, Talented Arm

At just 26 years old, Brown is entering his prime. By signing him to a multi-year deal, the Astros could ensure he remains a fixture in their rotation for years to come.

3. Providing Stability to the Rotation

With Verlander likely retiring soon and Valdez’s future uncertain, the Astros need to secure long-term pitching options. Brown offers both upside and consistency, making him an ideal piece to build around.

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Potential Contract Terms: What an Extension Could Look Like

If the Astros move forward with an extension, what might it look like?

Recent pitcher contracts offer some insight. Players like Cristian Javier and Spencer Strider have signed long-term deals early in their careers. Based on those precedents, a fair extension for Brown could be in the range of:

5-6 years, $50-70 million

Includes arbitration years and 1-2 free-agent years

Performance incentives based on innings pitched and ERA

This structure would give Brown long-term security while keeping him under team control at a reasonable cost.

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Challenges and Potential Roadblocks

Despite the Astros’ interest, there are challenges to securing a deal.

1. Scott Boras Factor

Brown recently switched agents, hiring Scott Boras, one of the most well-known agents in baseball. Boras is known for pushing his clients toward free agency rather than signing team-friendly extensions. If Brown follows that path, Houston may struggle to keep him beyond his current contract.

2. Risk of Performance Decline

While Brown has been excellent, long-term deals always carry risk. If injuries or mechanical issues arise, the Astros could find themselves committed to a declining pitcher.

3. Budget Constraints

The Astros already have significant financial commitments, including Jose Altuve’s extension and possible future deals for Yordan Alvarez. They must balance their payroll wisely.

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What’s Next for Hunter Brown and the Astros?

As Spring Training approaches, all eyes will be on Brown’s performance and the Astros’ front office. If he continues to dominate early in 2025, the pressure to extend him will only increase.

Houston’s success has long been built on retaining homegrown talent while making smart financial decisions. Locking up Brown now would ensure their rotation remains strong in the coming years.

For now, Brown is focused on delivering on the mound. But behind the scenes, contract negotiations could be one of the biggest Astros storylines of the 2025 season. Will the team move quickly to secure their future ace, or will Brown test free agency in a few years? Only time will tell.