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.
How Jeremy Peña’s breakout season comes with a twist for Astros
Jun 24, 2025, 4:31 pm
Jeremy Peña is putting together the best season of his career, and it’s time to start asking some serious questions about what comes next.
After a strong rookie campaign and a magical playoff run in 2022, Peña has reemerged as one of the best shortstops in baseball. His numbers are now right in line with, and in some cases better than, Bobby Witt Jr., the player many consider the gold standard at the position. But Peña's resurgence isn't the only headline, he’s now officially signed with Scott Boras, baseball’s most powerful agent, signaling that a major payday could be on the horizon.
That decision raises real questions about Peña’s future in Houston. With just two years left on his deal, is he heading toward the same path as other homegrown stars who have ultimately walked in free agency? Or will the Astros finally reverse course and invest long-term in one of their own? The team’s payroll philosophy, built around letting expensive veterans leave while developing new talent, has worked for years. But Peña’s rise is testing just how far that system can stretch.
As his star continues to rise, the pressure is mounting. Will Houston commit to keeping him, or let another one slip away?
Be sure to watch the video below as ESPN Houston's Paul Gallant weighs in!
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