The Houston Astros were always going to be in for something of a rude awakening in 2020.
Houston's 2017 World Series championship was tarnished after it was revealed the Astros had devised a sign-stealing system designed to benefit hitters. Manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow were both fired, and the franchise found ridicule at every turn.
There were exterior factors making this season more stressful as well, notably the fact George Springer would be a free agent at the end of the year.
Needless to say, the Astros entered the 2020 campaign with a lot to ponder, and that was all before the season was suspended for four months because of the COVID-19 pandemic.