Hunter Brown

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada confirmed on Wednesday that Hunter Brown will be the club's opening day starter.

Fantasy Impact

Brown will make his first career Opening Day start after Framber Valdez, who joined the Detroit Tigers this offseason, handled the assignment the previous four years for Houston. Brown posted a stellar 2.43 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 206 strikeouts across 185.1 innings last season. The Astros open the season March 26 against the Los Angeles Angels.

Hunter Brown and the Houston Astros avoided arbitration and the ace righthander will make $5.71 million in 2026.

Fantasy Impact

Brown enjoyed a breakout season in 2025 and finished third in the American League in the Cy Young voting after going 12-9 with a 2.43 ERA in 31 starts. The 27-year-old ace struck out 206 batters in 185.1 innings and limited opponents to a .201 batting average. Brown has improved his numbers every season since his first full year in the big leagues in 2023 and, if he continues on that trajectory, a Cy Young Award could be in his future. He'll serve as the ace for the Astros in 2026.

Hunter Brown allowed four earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five over five innings in Wednesday's loss to the Athletics.

Fantasy Impact

After today’s performance, Brown holds a 2.43 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 12 wins and 10 losses across 31 starts this season. Brown is not slated to make another start before the end of the regular season.

Hunter Brown allowed two earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out nine over six innings in Friday's loss to the Mariners.

Fantasy Impact

After today’s outing, Brown's season record stands at 12 wins and 8 losses, with a 2.30 ERA and 1.01 WHIP across 30 starts. He now has 201 strikeouts in 180 1/3 innings of work.

Hunter Brown allowed two earned runs on four hits and one walk while striking out two over 6 2/3 innings in Saturday's win against the Braves.

Fantasy Impact

The right-hander continues an impressive stretch on the mound, allowing two runs or less in each of his last nine starts for the Astros. After yesterday’s performance, Brown now holds a 2.27 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with a 12-7 record across 29 starts this season.