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The Houston Astros enter the 2022 MLB season looking to defend their turf once again in the American League West. It's a division that the Astros have won in four of the last five seasons, though the Seattle Mariners at least pushed Houston a bit this past year, securing 90 victories. The Mariners and Los Angeles Angels each seemingly made strides forward this offseason while the Astros didn't make many noteworthy moves. However, the roster is still complete with names from the recent World Series team, such as Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Justin Verlander. That said, there remain some question marks on the depth chart ahead of the 2022 MLB season. Can Verlander, who hasn't pitched in nearly two years, return to his usual excellent form? Can Alex Bregman, who has succumbed to injuries in recent years, stay on the field? Which young starting pitcher will step up for the Astros in 2022? Some of these questions will need to be answered one way or the other if Houston is to rise to the top of the division once again. Here are the three biggest questions facing the Astros in 2022.
3 Biggest Questions Facing Astros In 2022
3. Who will replace Carlos Correa?
There really is no answering this question, as Carlos Correa emerged as one of the all-time great postseason hitters during his time in Houston. Not only that, but Correa possesses one of the better gloves in the game for a shortstop. It will be no easy task replacing the two-way star. However, Houston might just have the right option at the ready. 24-year-old Jeremy Pena, who was a third-round draft pick back in 2018, is highly regarded in the Astros' organization. All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve has called him a future superstar, as has Bregman. Pena is adept at the plate, having slashed .291/.371/.444 in three minor league seasons. The Dominican Republic native has also flashed skills with both his glove and speed on the basepaths, as he swiped as many as 20 bases across two leagues back in 2019. Of course, if the highly touted prospect simply isn't ready yet, the Astros could allow recent addition Niko Goodrum to handle the majority of the reps at the position in a stopgap role. It will be interesting to see who ultimately replaces Correa.
2. Can Justin Verlander return to form?
Justin Verlander essentially hasn't pitched in two seasons, as he has been recovering from Tommy John surgery. However, when he was last healthy, he won the American League Cy Young award. One of the best pitchers of his generation, the 39-year-old is undoubtedly on the back-nine of his storied career. However, Verlander has looked sharp this spring, touching his usual velocity on the fastball while stating that he has been feeling good on the mound. The former MVP has been nothing short of outstanding since arriving in Houston via trade, as he has averaged 18 wins, a 2.55 ERA, and 295 strikeouts across 218 innings pitched in two full seasons with the club. The Astros are armed with some very talented pitchers, such as Luis Garcia, Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier. However, they lack a true ace. If Verlander can return to form, he would be just that for the Astros. The question is, can he still be the pitcher he was in 2019?
1. Can Alex Bregman stay on the field?
Alex Bregman is a two-time All Star and one of the best third baseman in the league. However, he simply hasn't been able to stay on the field lately. From 2017-2019, Bregman enjoyed a clean bill of health, averaging 156 games played during that span. only played in 92 games last year, as he dealt with hamstring and leg injuries throughout the season. If there's any doubt about what Bregman can do when healthy, look no further than his 2019 season. The veteran third baseman slashed .296/.423/.592 with 41 homers, 122 runs scored, 112 RBI and 119 walks while making the All-Star team and finishing second in the American League MVP voting. He can be one of the game's best sluggers when healthy. Plus, the Astros will need him in 2022 more than ever, with Correa's bat out of the lineup and Altuve only getting older. Bregman's presence will be integral to the Astros' success in 2022. He will need to stay healthy though.
