MLB
Is this the end of the Astros dynasty?
For the first time since 2017, the Astros fail to reach the American League Championship Series. Will this be the end of a dynasty in Houston?
Houston, we have a problem! For the first time since 2017, the Astros are out of the MLB postseason, eliminated in the Wild Card Series after being swept by the Detroit Tigers at Minute Maid Park.
This marks the end of an impressive streak, as Houston had made seven consecutive appearances in the Championship Series. The last time the Astros missed the postseason was in 2016 when they failed to qualify despite a respectable 84-74 record.
The 2024 season started unusually for Houston, as they stumbled to a 12-24 record through the first 36 games. However, the Astros managed to recover and clinched their fourth straight Division pennant with an 88-73 record. They led the league in total bases, amassing 1,448, surpassing last year’s total of 1,441. However, their home run productivity dipped, with only 190 homers—fifth in the American League and their lowest output since 2017.
This drop in power was evident in their series against Detroit. Houston managed just 12 hits over the two games, scoring a mere three runs without hitting a single home run. Yordan Álvarez recorded two hits, José Altuve had one, and Kyle Tucker failed to get on base. Alex Bregman was the standout performer, going 3-for-7. Together, these four players hit 84 home runs during the regular season, but their bats fell silent when it mattered most.
“It’s the hardest part of the season, saying goodbye to your teammates,” Álvarez said after the loss. “Some of them will be free agents, and you don’t know if you’ll see them again.” Key players like Bregman, Justin Verlander, and Jason Heyward are among those entering free agency.
One of Houston’s past strengths—the bullpen—also faltered, giving up all four runs in Game 2 against Detroit.
The pitching rotation remains a question mark as well. Verlander, once a stalwart, finished the season with a disappointing 5-6 record. Framber Valdez was Houston’s best pitcher, going 15-7, but his playoff struggles continued as Tuesday’s loss dropped him to 0-4 in his last postseason starts.
Cristian Javier, sidelined after Tommy John surgery, was sorely missed; he had a 3-1 record before his season-ending injury. Despite a strong performance from Hunter Brown, who allowed just two hits on Wednesday, it wasn’t enough to keep the Astros alive in the postseason.