How Astros efforts to extend championship window just took a big step forward
BIG PICTURE PLANS
27 August 2024
The future is bright for the Astros. Composite Getty Image.
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.
Christian Walker's walkoff 2-run homer lifts Astros over Mariners
May 26, 2025, 3:11 pm
Christian Walker hit a game-winning, two-run homer in the ninth inning to lift the Houston Astros to a 5-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday.
WALK(ER) - OFF.#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/n6sZvAux3Y
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 25, 2025
The game was tied at 3 when Jose Altuve singled with no outs in the ninth. Walker, who had three hits, then sent a fastball from Casey Legumina (4-2) into the seats in left field to give the Astros the walkoff victory and 3-1 series win over the AL West leaders.
Walker's big game came after the struggling first baseman had just three hits combined in his previous seven games.
Bryan King (3-0) struck out Randy Arozarena to end Seattle’s ninth and manager Dan Wilson was ejected for the first time in his career for arguing with home plate umpire Laz Diaz after the call.
Seattle had runners on first and third with one out in the eighth when Ben Williamson hit a grounder to second baseman Mauricio Dubón. He threw home in time to get J.P. Crawford out at the plate before Leo Rivas grounded out for the third out.
The Astros loaded the bases with two outs in the eighth, but Isaac Paredes grounded out to leave everyone stranded. That came after they loaded the bases with one out in the seventh, but came away empty after Seattle turned a double play.
Jake Meyers was on first with two outs in the sixth when Cam Smith laced an RBI double down the right field line to tie it at 3.
Seattle starter Luis Castillo allowed nine hits and three runs with six strikeouts in six innings. Castillo threw 114 pitches Sunday to tie Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene for most pitches thrown in a game this season.
Houston’s Colton Gordon allowed seven hits and three runs in five innings in his third major league start.
Julio Rodríguez had three hits and Mitch Garver drove in two runs for the Mariners.
Rodríguez and Arozarena hit consecutive singles with two outs in the first before Garver made it 2-0 on his double to center.
There were two outs in the third with Rodríguez on third when Donovan Solano singled on a grounder to left field to extend the lead to 3-0.
Houston cut it to 3-1 on an RBI single by Walker with one out in the bottom of the third. A sacrifice fly by Caratini that Leody Taveras jumped to catch on the warning track scored Altuve to make it 3-2.
Key moment
Walker's walkoff home run gave him three RBIs, tying a season high.
Key stat
The teams combined to go 4 for 22 with runners in scoring position.
Up next
Both teams are off Monday before Houston opens a series with the Athletics and Seattle gets a visit from Washington on Tuesday night.
