The Astros have had a terrific run with playoff appearances in nine of the last ten seasons with two titles over that time. But last year they won 88 games, their fewest total in a full season since 2016. A change in management has led to a new direction and the core of the team that has had so much success has begun to erode, with Carlos Correa in Minnesota, Kyle Tucker in Chicago, and Alex Bregman now in Boston.
The Astros are off to a decent start this year, and have won five of their last six, including a home sweep against the Blue Jays where they allowed two total runs.