Don’t give up on Mike Burrows just yet
In an attempt to remake a starting rotation expected to lose a two-time All-Star, the Astros traded two prospects from a barren farm system to acquire Mike Burrows from the Pittsburgh Pirates last December. An 11 th round pick by the Pirates in 2018, Burrows finally made his Major League debut in 2024 and put himself on the map by posting a 3. 94 ERA with a 24.
1 percent strikeout rate and a 7. 7 percent walk rate, both better than league average. Burrows emerged as an above-average starting pitcher, and with five years of club control it’s the type of high-ceiling move smart clubs make.
So far, the trade has been a flop. Burrows is 1-3 with a 6. 75 ERA in his first five starts with the Astros.
His walk rate has dipped slightly from last season, but his strikeout rate is down to 20. 5 percent. He has finished the sixth inning just once and allowed three runs or more in all but one start.
Burrows arrived in Houston regarded as having one of baseball’s best changeups. While it hasn’t been quite as effective this season, opponents are batting just . 188 with a 37.