How early Astros evaluations placing some major wildcards under spotlight
ON THE CLOCK
05 January 2024
With 2023 officially in the books, it's time to turn our attention to a new year, filled with exciting opportunities for the Houston Astros.
This week, MLB released their new power rankings for the 2024 season. They have the Astros ranked 6th, behind the Phillies, Orioles, Rangers, Dodgers, and Braves.
Our New Year's Resolution: Perfect power rankings throughout 2024.
1-for-1. 😉 pic.twitter.com/3T8msi1VCL
— MLB (@MLB) January 2, 2024
Does that sound right? We have to keep in mind this list is media driven, so it's no surprise that the Dodgers are ranked so high considering their busy offseason.
To be fair, the Astros' starting rotation regressed in 2023. And the bullpen has been one of the strengths of this team, which looks weaker this year with three pitchers walking in free agency (Phil Maton, Hector Neris, Ryne Stanek). They also haven't added anyone of note to replace them.
And while the Astros were one of the final four teams remaining last season, it's understandable that the Braves, Dodgers, and Orioles are ranked so high considering they all won at least 100 games last year.
Looking ahead
While debating these power rankings for 2024, it made us wonder if the Astros will crack the Top 10 on this list in 2025. There's been a lot of talk about the Astros title window closing, and Alex Bregman likely won't be back with the team. Not to mention, if Justin Verlander doesn't reach 140 innings in 2024, his option doesn't vest for 2025.
One thing we can assume, is if they're in the Top 10 power rankings for 2025, it probably means they made the playoffs in 2024.
Be sure to watch the video above as we discuss the upcoming season, and what the future could hold for the Astros moving forward.
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José Soriano and two relievers combined for a two-hitter and Oswald Peraza hit his first home run since a trade from the Yankees to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 3-0 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Soriano (10-9) allowed one hit and struck out eight in seven innings. Luis GarcÃa allowed one hit in a scoreless eighth and Kenley Jansen threw a perfect ninth for his 25th save.
There were two outs in the fifth when Peraza connected off Hunter Brown (10-7) into the bullpen in right-center field to put the Angels up 1-0. His homer comes after his two-run single in the ninth inning Saturday helped Los Angeles to a 4-1 victory that snapped a three-game skid.
Yoan Moncada walked to start the eighth and scored on Mike Trout’s double that bounced off the wall in center field to make it 2-0. Taylor Ward walked before Luis Rengifo reached and Trout scored on an error by Lance McCullers Jr. when the pitcher overthrew first base.
Yordan Alvarez singled with no outs in the first and Soriano walked a batter in the second and sixth innings. The Astros didn’t get another hit until Ramón UrÃas doubled with one out in the eighth inning. Los Angeles outfielder Taylor Ward was injured trying to make a catch on that hit when he crashed face-first into the metal scoreboard in left field.
He was carted off the field holding a towel to the right side of his face. He was taken to a hospital by ambulance where interim manager Ray Montgomery said he would receive stitches to close the cut and be evaluated.
Brown allowed three hits and a run with five strikeouts in six innings. McCullers Jr. allowed three hits and two runs in his first relief appearance since 2018.
Key moment
The home run by Peraza.
Key stat
It’s the fifth time the Astros have been shut out this month.
Up next
LHP Yusei Kikuchi (6-9, 3.68 ERA) will start for Los Angeles in the series finale Monday against RHP Luis Garcia, who’ll make his return after sitting out since May 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery.
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