The 2024 season presented challenges for the Astros. They secured an AL Wild Card berth but were eliminated by the Detroit Tigers in a two-game sweep. This marked the end of their seven-year streak of reaching the AL Championship Series, signaling potential shifts within the team’s dynamics. As they approach the 2025 season the will try to cope with their losses quickly and try to compete in the AL West yet again.

2024 record 88-73

Manager – Joe Espada

General Manger – Jeff Lunhow

Offseason Changes

The offseason witnessed notable departures. Third baseman Alex Bregman signed with the Boston Red Sox, and outfielder Kyle Tucker was traded to the Chicago Cubs, creating gaps in both infield and outfield positions. These moves have prompted the Astros to explore internal adjustments, including the possibility of veteran second baseman José Altuve transitioning to the outfield. To fill the void of Alex Bregman the Astros did trade for Iassac Parades to play third base in the Kyle Tucker trade. Houston would also receive MLB’s 73 ranked prospect, Cam Smith, and right hander Hayden Wesneski.

OF Ben Gamel and 2B Brendan Rodgers were signed on one-year contracts.

First Baseman Christain Walker was brought in from Arizona on a 3 year 60-million-dollar contract. The 33-year-old hit .251 last season with 26 homers and 84 RBI’s.

On the Pitching side, in another trade with the Cubs Houston would give up Relief Pitcher Ryan Presley, which would also severely deplete the Houston bullpen.

Pitching Staff

The Astros’ pitching rotation is undergoing a period of adaptation. Spencer Arrighetti, who showcased potential during his rookie season with a 1.95 ERA in August last season, is focusing on refining his approach to achieve greater consistency. Additionally, the bullpen’s performance will be under scrutiny, especially after challenges faced in the previous postseason. Along with losing Ryan Presley, the Astros also lose pitchers, Justin Verlander, Yuseif Kukuchi, Jose Urdiquy, Hector Neris, Kendall Graveman, and Caleb Ferguson.

Prospects and Player Development

Prospect Cam Smith, acquired in the Kyle Tucker trade, has been a standout in spring training. His development is being closely monitored, with expectations that he could make a significant impact if he is called up this year.

Projected Lineup

Jose Altuve (LF)

Iasaac Parades (3B)

Yordon Alvarez (DH)

Christain Walker (1B)

Yanier Diaz (C)

Jeremy Pens (SS)

Chas Mccormack (RF)

Brendan Rodgers (2B)

Jake Myers (CF)

Rotation

Framber Valdez

Hunter Brown

Ronel Blanco

Spencer Arrighetti

Hayden Wesneski

Season Outlook

Even with all the question marks surrounding this Astros team they should still be in the AL West race. With their solid rotation and good bullpen on the backs of Josh Hader and Bryan Abreu, the big questions to be asked are how this new look Astros team will be managed under first year manager Joe Espada, he steps into what would normally be a good situation but since the majority of veteran leadership on this Houston team have gone elsewhere it puts him in an interesting spot. Analysts have mixed projections for the Astros’ 2025 performance. Some anticipate a potential decline in dominance within the AL West. Others have the Astros winning the division yet again and 90 plus games.