Let’s have a chat about the Houston Astros, former National League Central punchline/also-rans turned American League West dynasty.
Cheating scandal aside, the team has proven itself over the past decade. Two World Series titles (albeit one tainted) and excellent player development have, slowly but surely, made the infamous trash can a distant memory.
There is one downside: Ever since the cheating was uncovered in early 2020, Astros owner Jim Crane has looked more like Jerry Jones. He seems a second GM alongside Dana Brown rather than just signing the checks. The examples are aplenty.
Closers can often be developed internally.