“They'll figure it out, just give them some time.” These words are invariably proclaimed whenever a great team has a slow start to its season. Talent and a proven track record of success typically serve as justification for such steadfast belief. People are still expressing this same sentiment towards the scuffling Houston Astros, but their confidence is surely wavering as the losses pile up.
The three-time reigning American League West champions currently reside in last place with a 12-23 record, behind even the moribund Los Angeles Angels and the painfully underfunded Oakland Athletics. It is still early-May, and they already trail the division-leading Texas Rangers by eight games.
Regardless of its championship pedigree, which includes two World Series titles and four AL Pennants since 2017, the Astros have a brutal climb ahead. Actually, the ascent could be so rigorous that they might be forced to consider making tough decisions at the trade deadline.
That is not a scenario the front office thinks is worth entertaining, however. “No, I can't envision that,” Houston general manager Dana Brown told Brian Kenny on Tuesday's edition of “MLB Now,” per Fox Sports, when asked if he can see the franchise shipping out players.
“This ballclub is too good, I think the production's coming. I can't predict any scenario where we become sellers. I think the key here is win this series, win this series, win this series, get back to .500. Once you get back to .500, and you start to roll, you get a winning streak of five here, seven here, 10 there. Before you know it, you're eight to 10 games over .500.”
Will the Astros gradually make up ground?
Brown has been working in baseball organizations for the last three decades, so his optimism is not hollow. However, in order for his vision to become a reality, the Astros will probably need to start stringing wins together soon. Following a promising stretch in which the squad won five of its last six games, Houston suffered its third consecutive loss on Tuesday, falling 10-3 to the New York Yankees.
The team cannot afford to enter playoff mode before the All-Star break. It can be mentally draining to play desperate baseball for multiple months. The Astros must immediately flip the switch and find a way to beat the Yankees (0-5 vs. NY in 2024). At any rate, hearing the GM emphatically stand behind this current group of guys should be a huge morale boost for the clubhouse.
Many fans would deem Brown's declaration to be perfectly reasonable given the makeup of the roster and the weaker level of competition that is dwelling in the AL. But the organization might be faced with some difficult choices in the near future.
Astros have key roster questions to address soon
Alex Bregman is in the final year of his contract and Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez become free agents after the 2025 season. Ownership just forked over a fortune to sign struggling closer Josh Hader, so paying all three of those champions might be improbable. Is there a chance Dana Brown trades one of the original pillars of this borderline dynasty?
Bregman will appeal to teams in the market for a third baseman. His plate discipline, defense and leadership abilities could conceivably make him a popular name ahead of the July 30 deadline. But the Bregman situation can be brushed aside for the time being if Houston shows signs of life.
Before competing for a postseason slot, Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, Justin Verlander and the rest of the Astros must first stop the bleeding. Though, the Yankees are not going to be a willing bandage. That series continues on Wednesday.
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