How Astros efforts to extend championship window just took a big step forward
BIG PICTURE PLANS
27 August 2024
BIG PICTURE PLANS
The Houston Astros championship window has seemingly been a big topic of conversation for the last five years. Which is fitting for a team that's appeared in the ALCS for seven straight years.
This upcoming offseason could be a tipping point, however, as Alex Bregman and Justin Verlander could sign elsewhere in free agency. Leaving only Jose Altuve and Lance McCullers still on the roster from the first championship team in 2017.
But all hope isn't lost. The Astros find a way to reload every season, and we're watching prospects the Astros developed turn into top-notch major league players.
Hunter Brown and Spencer Arrighetti are showing signs that they can be front of the rotation starters for years to come. And Yainer Diaz looks like one of the best young hitters in baseball.
Throw in the fact that the AL West is the worst division in MLB, and you have to like Houston's chances in 2025 no matter how this season ends.
At the very least, you're looking at a 2025 starting rotation of Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco, Spencer Arrighetti, and hopefully Luis Garcia. We'll see about McCullers. It's hard to count on him since he hasn't pitched in two seasons.
So the pitching is beyond solid for next year, but we'll have to see about the offense. If owner Jim Crane decides to let Bregman walk, will they look to add another bat in free agency?
Be sure to watch the video above as we examine the Astros championship window, and discuss some free agents the club may target, like Orioles' slugger Anthony Santander.
Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
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 García 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 Urías 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.
The home run by Peraza.
It’s the fifth time the Astros have been shut out this month.
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.