How Astros' eye-opening moves set stage for most unpredictable Opening Day in recent memory
IT'S GO TIME!
24 March
IT'S GO TIME!
As the Houston Astros finalize their Opening Day roster, some notable names have been left off the team. Outfielder Ben Gamel and first baseman Jon Singleton were among the cuts, with both players struggling at the plate this spring. Singleton, despite coming into camp in excellent shape, hit just .171 with one extra-base hit in 41 at-bats. Gamel fared no better, batting .167 in 24 at-bats while dealing with injuries. Many expected the Astros to keep at least one of them for their left-handed bat, but the team opted for other options. Notably, Victor Caratini, a switch-hitter, provides valuable depth behind Christian Walker at first base and offers manager Joe Espada a quality pinch-hit option late in games.
1. Jose Altuve’s transition to left field
One of the biggest storylines heading into the season is how long the Astros will stick with Jose Altuve in left field if he struggles defensively. The longtime second baseman is making the switch, but if he fails to adjust, Houston may have to explore alternative solutions.
2. Jeremy Peña’s next step
After a stellar spring, will this be the year Jeremy Peña takes his game to another level? While he's unlikely to develop into a high-walk hitter, a return to his rookie-year power numbers could be a major boost for the Astros. In 2023, he hit 22 homers and slugged .426, and Houston will need that production again.
3. Yordan Alvarez’s Health and MVP Potential
Alvarez remains the key piece of the Astros’ lineup, and if he can stay healthy, his 40-plus home run potential makes him a serious AL MVP candidate. He currently has the fourth-best MVP odds in the league.
4. Will Cam Smith and/or Zach Dezenzo make the final cut?
If manager Joe Esapa keeps his word, both Smith and Dezenzo are unlikely to make the team. Espada has been adamant that both players require every day at-bats. Which Houston can't accommodate with the current roster construction.
Houston’s bullpen will be anchored by star closer Josh Hader and setup man Bryan Abreu. Other key arms include Tayler Scott, Bryan King, Rafael Montero, Luis Contreras, and Steven Okert.
Ryan Gusto (1.17 spring ERA) is a candidate to make the squad but could be a roster casualty when Forrest Whitley or Caleb Ort return from injury.
Whitley’s string of bad luck continues, as he’ll begin the season on the injured list despite an impressive spring. Montero, meanwhile, was a surprise roster inclusion given his struggles, especially since Logan VanWey outperformed him this spring. The Astros appear to be hoping for a bounce-back year from Montero, though he should be limited to mop-up duties early on.
As the season begins, Houston has a strong roster with playoff aspirations, but key questions remain. Can Altuve adjust to left field? Will Peña and Alvarez step up? And can the bullpen hold firm? The answers will shape the Astros' 2025 campaign.
We have so much more to cover. Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
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Framber Valdez pitched seven strong innings and Jeremy Peña homered and drove in four runs as the Houston Astros defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 9-1 on Wednesday.
Houston earned just its second victory in seven games to snap Milwaukee’s three-game winning streak and leave both teams with .500 records. The Brewers were attempting to sweep a series from the Astros for the first time since 2012.
The Astros led 3-1 before Peña broke the game open by delivering a three-run homer to left off reliever Elvin Rodriguez with two outs in the sixth inning.
JP3-run bomb. #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/En0XXWdlt0
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
Valdez (2-4) struck out seven while allowing three hits, two walks and one run to earn his first win since the Astros’ March 27 season opener. He threw a season-high 101 pitches.
The Framchise is all business.#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/J8EGGDk5gl
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
Milwaukee’s only run off Valdez came on Eric Haase’s fifth-inning homer, a 425-foot drive to center.
The Astros took a 1-0 lead off Quinn Priester (1-1) in the second inning as Jake Meyers hit a two-out single and scored on Zach Dezenzo’s double.
RBI double for Zach gets us on the board early! #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/AilCY27A9d
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
The Brewers have lost all 13 games this season in which their opponent scored first.
Five-time All-Star closer Josh Hader worked the ninth while pitching in Milwaukee for the first time since the Brewers traded him in 2022.
The Astros led 1-0 and had runners on third and second with one out in the fifth when Peña hit a bouncer to third.
Safe all day. #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/OVjcvev7cM
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 7, 2025
The throw home beat Dezenzo to the plate. Home plate umpire Chris Conroy initially ruled Dezenzo out, but the Astros challenged the call and replays showed the runner slid home ahead of Haase’s tag.
Valdez has now pitched at least seven innings an MLB-leading 57 times since 2020.
The Astros host the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. Scheduled pitchers are right-hander Hunter Brown (5-1, 1.67) for the Astros and right-hander Nick Martinez (1-3, 4.19) for the Reds.
The Brewers visit the Tampa Bay Ray on Friday. Left-hander José Quintana (4-1, 2.83) will pitch for the Brewers.