Wear it well

Raheel Ramzanali: Ranking the must-have World Series gear

Raheel Ramzanali: Ranking the must-have World Series gear
A picture with the World Series trophy does not suck. Sportingnews.com

Yesterday I spent the day in front of Minute Maid Park before the home opener for our World Series Champions and I saw literally every iteration of World Series gear being worn by fans. This had me thinking, is there a definitive list of the best World Series gear out there? Turns out there isn’t. So, before you spend your hard earned money on even more World Series gear, check out this list of five essentials you need to have in your Astros closet:

  1. 2018 Gold Program Jersey - This is the crown jewel of all World Series gear. If there is one thing you spend money on to commemorate then please buy the gold lettered jersey that will always be a reminder of the achievements from the World Series. The harder decision will be which player you pick for your jersey. I went with Correa because of the most upside, but you can’t go wrong with a Springer jersey to celebrate the MVP of the World Series.  This is a hard debate because this jersey represents the World Series win so do you pick the best player from it or your favorite player? Like, we don’t need to see somebody rocking a Reddick or Giles Gold Program jersey at Minute Maid Park this season.

  2. World Series Locker Room Cap - When I first saw the cap last year, I thought it was “meh” at best. But, after seeing it on every fan out there, I’m officially adding this to the list of must-haves. Few things will be more synonymous to this title than this big bold lettered cap with the bronze overtone. This is the ultimate ice breaker for any Houston fan when traveling. It clearly lets everyone know what you’re all about, “WORLD SERIES CHAMPS”. We should make it a law that every fan should own this one ballcap.

  3. A Picture with the Commissioner’s Trophy - While not an official thing to buy, every fan needs to get a picture with the trophy at some point this year. There will be PLENTY of opportunities to see the trophy in person around town so make sure you capture this (usually) free must-have from the World Series run.

  4. World Series Champions Trophy Paperweight - Look, I was going to tell you to buy a season recap DVD and such, but those are usually available online for free on YouTube. Don’t waste money on a DVD you’ll never watch when you can buy a paperweight and decorate your desk. I’ve sat in a cubicle from 9-5 and I put up things that reminded me of good times to help me get through the day. Nothing is more exciting than seeing a reminder that your team won the World Series AND that they have a game that night so you have something to watch when you get home.

October Proven T-shirt - I LOVE a good slogan and nothing is more of a EFF YOU than the October Proven. Only one team is allowed to wear this slogan and this is a shirt that you need have in your closet. This is also the perfect road game t-shirt to wear. Nothing like walking around with a slogan on the road saying that you’re accomplished something nobody else has, winning the 2017 World Series!

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Who can the Astros turn to? Composite Getty Image.

In Houston, the winning standard has been set so high that anything short of World Series contention now feels like failure. And yet, the 2025 Astros find themselves at an unfamiliar crossroads—caught between the fading brilliance of past stars and the uncertain promise of what comes next.

Jose Altuve is at the center of this issue. His early struggles (-0.5 WAR) may indicate more than just a temporary slump. And when he swung at the first pitch after Lance McCullers had just endured a grueling 33-pitch inning on Sunday, it raised a bigger question: who has the influence to talk to Altuve?

The Astros’ culture has long been praised for its accountability, but who inside the clubhouse has the standing to challenge or counsel Altuve or other vets when needed? With so many veteran voices gone, there’s a growing sense that no one does—and that’s a problem. That’s why the idea of bringing back Michael Brantley—not as a player, but as a respected voice—could make some sense. Brantley was always viewed as a quiet leader, and his presence could restore some of the guidance this roster desperately needs.

Batter up?

While the Astros have built a reputation for reviving pitchers' careers, their track record with hitters is far less impressive. There are few, if any, examples of a bat joining Houston and unlocking a new level. That failure in development becomes especially stark when considering how much they’re currently leaning on homegrown youth.

Which brings us to Zach Dezenzo. The 24-year-old rookie is showing he belongs—his .737 OPS makes him one of the more productive bats in a lineup that desperately needs stability while Yordan Alvarez nurses an injury. While Victor Caratini provides the Astros with the ability to switch hit, he's hitting just .217. Dezenzo should be starting every day in left, with Yordan out. Jose Altuve, who has already played too many innings this year, should be shifted to DH duties to ease his physical burden. The Astros should go with Cam Smith in right and keep Jake Meyers in center to round out the outfield.

GM Dana Brown has made clear that he views Dezenzo as a first baseman or left fielder for the future. So why not get him in the lineup while Yordan's out and see what he can do with consistent playing time?

Of course, losing Yordan Alvarez is always going to hurt. But the numbers tell a surprising story. Yordan currently holds a -0.4 WAR, right there alongside Altuve and Christian Walker as the only Astros with negative marks. On paper, the team hasn’t lost much production. But let’s not kid ourselves—Yordan’s mere presence alters how opponents pitch to this team. The lineup without him lacks fear factor, and the margins get razor-thin.

Speaking of margins, one move that may haunt this front office is the decision to sign Christian Walker. The veteran first baseman is hitting just .205 with a .617 OPS—far below the level expected from a player earning $20 million annually through 2027. Compare that to Jon Singleton, who posted better numbers in 2024 and currently boasts an .880 OPS in Triple-A with the Mets organization. Walker's defense is strong, but it's hard to argue that justifies the price tag. Singleton might not be a Gold Glover, or anything close, but he came much cheaper and was quietly more productive with the bat.

No regrets?

There’s also a broader question looming: if fans had known that Altuve’s massive contract extension would potentially cost the team the ability to re-sign current MVP candidates Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman, would they still have supported the deal? Hindsight is cruel, but with Altuve’s decline and Tucker and Bregman thriving, it’s a fair debate. Houston might have paid for the past instead of securing its future.

Big deals on the horizon?

All eyes now turn to owner Jim Crane. This winter, Houston's payroll will have considerable room to maneuver. But will Crane commit to restocking the lineup with All-Star-caliber bats, or will his reluctance to offer long-term deals keep the Astros stuck in a holding pattern? It’s one thing to let players walk. It’s another to fail to replace them.

The Astros still have the bones of a contender, but the road back to dominance is getting steeper. The team can’t simply rely on what used to work. It’s time for difficult conversations, bold lineup changes, and a rethinking of how this organization develops—and retains—offensive talent.

We have so much more to get to. Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!

The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday!

*ChatGPT assisted.

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