What Happened to Michael Thomas Burrows?
Michael "Mike" Burrows is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Houston Astros. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018, he made his MLB debut in 2024 and, after a solid 2025 season with the Pirates, was traded to the Astros in December 2025, where he is slated to be a key part of their 2026 starting rotation.
Quick Answer
Mike Burrows is a professional baseball pitcher who, as of March 28, 2026, is a starting pitcher for the Houston Astros. After being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018 and making his MLB debut in 2024, he was traded to the Astros in December 2025. He had a strong Spring Training in 2026 and is scheduled to make his Astros debut as the starter for their second game of the season on March 28, 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Drafted by Pittsburgh Pirates
Mike Burrows was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 11th round of the 2018 MLB Draft, signing for $500,000 and foregoing his commitment to UConn.
Professional Debut
Burrows made his professional debut with the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Pirates, pitching 14 innings without giving up an earned run.
Minor League Season Cancelled
Did not play a minor league game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Missed Time Due to Oblique Injury
Spent the 2021 season with the Greensboro Grasshoppers but missed time due to an oblique injury.
Selected for SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game
Burrows was selected to represent the National League in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game in Los Angeles, tossing a scoreless fifth inning.
Undergoes Tommy John Surgery
Underwent Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss nearly all of the 2023 season and part of 2024.
MLB Debut with Pittsburgh Pirates
Made his Major League Baseball debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates against the New York Yankees, earning his first big league win.
Solid Rookie Season with Pirates
Pitched 96 innings in 23 appearances (19 starts) for the Pirates, recording a 2-4 record with a 3.94 ERA and 97 strikeouts.
Traded to Houston Astros
Acquired by the Houston Astros in a three-team trade involving the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Rays, with the Astros sending prospects Jacob Melton and Anderson Brito to Pittsburgh.
Strong Spring Training Debut with Astros
Struck out four batters over three innings in his Spring Training start against the Pirates, showcasing a strong start with his new team.
Impressive Spring Training Performance Noted
Sports Illustrated reported that Burrows had not allowed a single run across 12.2 innings in Spring Training, striking out 15 batters.
Precautionary Removal from Spring Training Game
Was hit by a comebacker on his lower left leg during his final Grapefruit League start but was removed seemingly as a precautionary measure.
Confirmed as Astros' Second Game Starter
Manager Joe Espada announced that Burrows would start the Houston Astros' second game of the season on Friday, March 28, 2026, against the Angels.
Scheduled Astros Regular Season Debut
Mike Burrows is scheduled to make his regular season debut for the Houston Astros, starting their second game of the 2026 season.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Michael Thomas Burrows, widely known as Mike Burrows, embarked on his professional baseball journey when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 11th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft, forgoing a commitment to the University of Connecticut. His early minor league career saw him progress through the Pirates' system, though it was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and various injuries, including an oblique injury in 2021 and a shoulder issue in 2022.
A significant setback occurred in April 2023 when Burrows underwent Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for the majority of the 2023 season and part of 2024. Despite this, he made his long-awaited MLB debut with the Pirates on September 28, 2024, earning a victory against the New York Yankees. The 2025 season saw Burrows take on a more substantial role with Pittsburgh, making 23 appearances, including 19 starts, and posting a 2-4 record with a 3.94 ERA and 97 strikeouts over 96 innings.
In a pivotal career move, Burrows was acquired by the Houston Astros in a three-team trade in December 2025, a move that also involved the Tampa Bay Rays. The Astros, seeking to bolster their pitching rotation, viewed Burrows as a high-upside acquisition with cost control through the 2032 season. His performance during the 2026 Spring Training was notably strong, as he did not allow a single run across 12.2 innings, striking out 15 batters while giving up only six hits and six walks. This impressive showing solidified his place in the Astros' starting rotation for the upcoming season.
As of March 28, 2026, Mike Burrows is poised to make his Houston Astros debut, starting the team's second game of the season against the Los Angeles Angels. He is expected to be a crucial component of the Astros' pitching staff, with the organization hoping to further develop his arsenal, particularly his fastball, to complement his already effective changeup and slider. His journey from injury recovery to a prominent role in a contending team's rotation marks a significant turning point in his young career.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Michael Thomas Burrows made different choices?