The Astros’ 2025 season may not have ended as hoped, but several young players delivered strong performances that provide optimism heading into 2026. Among them was pitcher AJ Blubaugh.
Drafted in the 7th round of the 2022 draft out of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Blubaugh progressed steadily through the Astros’ system. He built momentum with a strong 2024 campaign, posting a 3.71 ERA and 133 strikeouts over 128.2 innings between Double-A and Triple-A.
Heading into 2025, Blubaugh looked like a strong candidate for a call-up. He opened the year well, posting a 2.00 ERA over his first four outings in Triple-A, which earned him a promotion to Houston. He made his major league debut on April 30, throwing 4 innings with 6 strikeouts while allowing 7 runs, only 2 of which were earned. Following his debut, he was optioned back to Triple-A.
The trip back down to Triple-A wasn’t pleasant to him though. Over his next 8 outings in Triple-A, Blubaugh would post a 9.70 ERA allowing 40 runs over 34.1 innings. He would get things turned around though posting a 2.94 ERA over the next 7 outings earning him a call-up back to Houston.
On August 5, Blubaugh played a key role in a bullpen game, pitching 5 innings and allowing just 2 runs, both on solo home runs, while striking out 5. He generated 7 swings and misses and touched 98 MPH on his fastball. After being sent back to Triple-A, he made two more appearances before earning another call-up to Houston.
From August 23 to the end of the season, Blubaugh was dominant, posting a 0.78 ERA with 24 strikeouts over 23 innings. He also contributed both as a starter and out of the bullpen.
Blubaugh wrapped up his first major league season with an impressive 1.69 ERA and 35 strikeouts across 32 innings in 11 appearances for the Astros. Although the sample size was somewhat limited, the numbers stood out. Opponents hit just .196 against his fastball and .207 against his sweeper, with an expected batting average of .167 on the latter. The sweeper also produced weak contact, averaging just 76.6 mph in exit velocity. Most remarkable, however, was his changeup—he threw it 98 times and didn’t allow a single hit, holding hitters to an 0-for-29 line.
Blubaugh’s first major league season showcased his talent at the highest level. If he builds on this foundation, 2026 could be a breakout year for him.
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