HOUSTON -- It's been nearly 20 years since a team won back-to-back World Series titles. The Astros are looking to end that drought.
Coming off the first World Series title in their 56-year history, the already-loaded Astros improved in the offseason and will be among the favorites to win the Fall Classic in 2018. Houston returns the majority of its core players and added Pirates ace pitcher Gerrit Cole and relievers Joe Smith and Hector Rondon in the offseason.
What's more, Houston will have pitcher Justin Verlander -- traded from the Tigers on Aug.