The Houston Astros are hoping to solidify the future of their starting rotation.

Mark Berman of KRIV was among those to report the Astros agreed to a five-year, $85 million contract extension with right-hander Lance McCullers Jr.

There had been recent chatter the two sides were nearing an agreement. Now, it is official.

This is a proactive move on Houston's part. Aging veterans Zack Greinke and Justin Verlander will both be free agents after 2021, with Verlander likely to miss the entirety of this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last October.

But the Astros have some young arms who impressed last season.

Left-hander Framber Valdez will miss all of 2021 due to a finger fracture, but should be a staple in the rotation after posting a 3.57 ERA and 2.85 FIP in 2020. Cristian Javier was impressive, and Jose Urquidy continues to grow into a starting role.

Inking McCullers was the priority. He was originally scheduled to be a free agent after the 2021 season, but will instead remain in H-Town for the foreseeable future.

McCullers was one of Houston's top prospects prior to making his MLB debut in 2015. He was an All-Star in 2017 and played a critical role in the team's march to the World Series.

The 27-year-old missed all of 2019 after undergoing Tommy John in the fall of 2018, but returned with a 3.93 ERA and career-best 1.16 WHIP in 11 starts in 2020. Houston clearly remains high on McCullers' upside as a potential ace.

Next up for the Astros might be shortstop Carlos Correa, another guy slated to hit the open market this winter.