The Houston Astros enter this offseason with questions surrounding their starting rotation after several arms reached free agency or dealt with injuries last season.
New general manager Randy Flores is assessing the market for pitchers who can deliver steady innings while fitting within the club’s long-term plans.
Several teams are already circling available free-agent starters, creating a competitive environment as clubs try to address needs before the winter meetings.
According to MLB Network reporter Jon Morosi, the Astros are among the organizations showing interest in free-agent right-hander Dustin May.
May spent part of the 2026 season with the Milwaukee Brewers after a midseason trade from the St. Louis Cardinals, where he had signed a one-year deal the previous winter.
Flores worked in the Cardinals front office at the time of that signing, giving the Astros a direct connection to the 29-year-old pitcher as he tests free agency again.
Morosi noted that May is drawing attention from a broad group of clubs that also includes the Chicago Cubs, White Sox and San Diego Padres.
The right-hander made 31 starts in 2026 between St. Louis and Milwaukee, compiling a 7-9 record with a 4.70 ERA and 144 strikeouts across 145 2/3 innings.
He declined a mutual option to become a free agent after contributing to the Brewers’ first World Series championship, even though his results were mixed after the trade.
At 29, May ranks among the younger starting pitchers on the open market, which could make him appealing for a multiyear contract rather than another short-term pact.
The Cubs’ reported interest stands out because signing May would mean taking a recent Brewers pitcher away from their longtime National League Central rival.
Houston’s pursuit, by contrast, centers on the existing familiarity through Flores and the chance to add rotation depth without the same divisional complications.
May previously won a title with the Dodgers in 2020, so he arrives with postseason experience as teams evaluate his velocity and strikeout gains from last year.
Whether the Astros move beyond initial interest remains unclear, but the link underscores how Flores’ prior knowledge of May could influence Houston’s approach this winter.
Other clubs are also monitoring the right-hander, yet the Astros’ involvement highlights their focus on young, durable arms who can help stabilize the staff for 2027.
