The Houston Astros returned to the ALCS last season and don’t seem to be going anywhere in 2024. The team added even more in order to win and extended one of its superstars.

2023 SEASON IN-REVIEW

Record: 90-72, 1st in AL West

Postseason: Won ALDS vs. Minnesota Twins (3-1), Lost ALCS vs. Texas Rangers (4-3)

It was a disappointing ending to yet another successful season for the Astros in 2023. They won 90 or more games for the sixth consecutive season, not counting the pandemic-shortened season in 2020. The Astros won their third straight AL West title and cruised into the postseason. Houston fell in Game 7 to the Rangers, who went onto win the World Series. This offseason saw the Astros make some key additions that will help the team contend for another title.

2024 SEASON PREVIEW

Key Losses: RP Hector Neris, C Martin Maldonado, RP Ryne Stanek, OF Michael Brantley

Key Additions: RP Josh Hader, C Victor Caratini

The Astros entered the offseason with the same goal as any other year — keep the core intact while adding another piece or two. Both boxes were checked.

Let’s begin with the core. Houston signed Altuve to a five-year, $125-million extension. The second baseman has been the leader for the Astros over the years of success in the playoffs. Altuve and Bregman have remained in their spots in the infield while Jordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker give the Astros one of the best top fours in Major League Baseball.

When looking at additions, it is Josh Hader. The most-prominent relief pitcher in free agency this year inked a five-year, $95-million deal with the Astros. This is an organization that is used to having one of the best bullpens in baseball. Now, Hader is thrown into the mix with Ryan Pressly and Bryan Abreu. The addition of Hader makes up one of the best backends there is but was also needed because the team lost some depth. Hector Neris signed with the Chicago Cubs, Phil Maton landed in Tampa Bay, and Ryne Stanek remains a free agent.

Michael Brantley announced his retirement while the Astros moved on from Martin Maldonado. They replaced the catcher with Victor Caratini, who remains an interesting option on a two-year deal.

The Astros have hopes once again of winning the AL West and making a run at a World Series title. With the five-year extension to Altuve, it shows that the team wants to continue to compete at the highest level over the next half decade but how long can it last? Altuve is now entering his age-34 season while Bregman turns 30. Tucker will enter free agency at the end of 2025, along with Valdez.

As for Justin Verlander, we saw his struggles last season with the New York Mets. He began the season on the IL and was effective when he pitched. Now, he is hurt once again to begin the season. Houston will likely be careful with the 41-year-old ace as he returns to the mound.

These are all future problems for the team. In 2024, the Astros will likely contend for another championship.

Potential Starting Lineup

1. Jose Altuve, 2B
2. Yordan Alvarez, DH
3. Alex Bregman, 3B
4. Kyle Tucker, OF
5. Jose Abreu, 1B
6. Yainer Diaz, C
7. Chas McCormick, OF
8. Jeremy Pena, SS
9. Jake Meyers, OF

Potential Rotation

• Justin Verlander
• Framber Valdez
• Cristian Javier
• Hunter Brown
• Jose Urquidy

Final Record Prediction: 94-68