Astros' anticipated Opening Day roster after the Mauricio Dubon transaction

Jared Bloom

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Astros' projected Opening Day lineup following Mauricio Dubon trade image

TL;DR

  • Astros acquired Nick Allen from Braves for Mauricio Dubon, gaining financial flexibility.
  • Houston aims to re-sign Framber Valdez or acquire another top starting pitcher.
  • Astros' projected 2026 lineup relies on core players staying healthy.
  • Key players like Yordan Alvarez and Carlos Correa need to be healthy for success.

The Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves completed a transaction last week, with Houston acquiring infielder Nick Allen from the latter in a deal that sent Mauricio Dubon to the former. 

While not a monumental deal, it provided the Astros with some much-needed financial maneuverability. Their primary objective will be either re-signing Framber Valdez, a difficult prospect, or bringing in another top-tier starting pitcher. 

Fortunately for Houston, a number of starting pitchers are currently available. While some supporters are hoping for a contract with Justin Verlander, others would prefer the team's management to sign a pitcher such as Michael King or Merrill Kelly.

Astros' anticipated Opening Day roster after the Mauricio Dubon transaction 

There is some thought that the Astros will roll into the 2026 season without making many offensive changes. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter believes they have what it takes to be a strong team if their core can stay off the IL. 

"There were only eight gamers last season where Carlos Correa and Isaac Paredes were both in the lineup, and Yordan Alvarez was sidelined for all of them, so the Astros need to figure out how all the pieces fit together between second base, third base, left field, and designated hitter."

With Yordan Alvarez simply being healthy, this team ought to appear entirely different. Reuter reports that he anticipates the Astros will present an Opening Day starting lineup that includes this:

  • SS Jeremy Pena
  • LF Yordan Alvarez
  • 2B Jose Altuve
  • 3B Carlos Correa
  • DH Isaac Paredes
  • 1B Christian Walker
  • C Yainer Diaz
  • RF Cam Smith
  • CF Jake Meyers

This would present a lineup quite like the one they fielded last season when all players were fit. Although significant offensive acquisitions aren't anticipated, they aren't necessary. The team's primary requirement is for its key players to remain healthy throughout 2026, a goal that proves challenging to achieve.

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