Current contract: Has three years of arbitration left. Can become a free agent after 2028 season.

Brown emerged as a key rotation piece, with Opening Day starts in four straight seasons and a growing strikeout profile. His workload and durability will be pivotal if Valdez leaves, making him a focal point for fantasy projections.

Brown established himself as the Astros’ rotation ace in 2025, leading the staff in ERA, WHIP and strikeouts while earning his first All-Star selection. His ability to rack up whiffs and maintain solid ratios made him the most certain anchor in Houston’s fantasy rotation, even as other starters carried some uncertainty.

Brown’s rise to ace status in the first half stands as a bright spot; durability and innings will determine his fantasy trajectory.

Brown faced a tough challenge, allowing multiple runs through five innings as Houston’s skid continued. His upside remains high on reduced run support, but recent results temper expectations for fantasy playoff implications.