Things are beginning to get more difficult for the Astros to continue their dynasty. Both Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker departed this winter but Houston is doing their best to backfill their lineup while remaining competitive. There’s still enough talent across all aspects of the team for Houston to compete for first place.
Breakout/Sleeper/Bust
Breakout: Isaac Paredes: There are few home parks, if any that better suit Isaac Paredes than Houston. Projected to bat second for the Astros, Paredes is in a perfect position to see quality pitches to hit. Now, the third baseman just needs to put his power to good use after consecutive ISO’s of .230 and .238 in 2022 and 2023.
Sleeper: Chas McCormick: Talk about a rough 2024 for Chas McCormick after hitting .273 with 22 home runs and 19 stolen bases in 2023. The outfielder dropped down to .211 with just five home runs in 94 games, but he retains his starting spot in Houston’s outfield. All of McCormick’s expected stats were higher than his actual production last year and being healthy in 2025 should also help him bounce back.
Bust: Ronel Blanco: Bust is a relative term, and Ronel Blanco is expected to take a step back this season. The right-hander benefited from a .220 BABIP last year while also walking 3.66 batters per nine innings. That will make it difficult for him to sustain his 2.80 ERA.
Top Prospects:
Hitting Prospect: Zach Dezenzo: From a defensive standpoint, Zach Dezenzo is versatile, and between the DH spot and the outfield, there are available at bats. Dezenzo made his debut with 65 plate appearances in Houston last year. He brings some power upside to the table and ultimately, Dezenzo will need to manage his strikeouts to find consistent success.
Pitching Prospect: AJ Blubaugh: It seems that each year, the Astros pluck another pitcher out of the minor leagues from obscurity to some level of success. I’m not saying that AJ Blubaugh will contend for the Rookie of the Year, but he could make an impact. Last year, Blubaugh struck out more than a batter per inning while posting a 3.71 ERA.
Key Hitters:
C: Yanier Diaz: Prediction: .285 AVG, 25 HR, 93 RBI, 75 R, 2 SB
1B: Christian Walker: Prediction: .250 AVG, 35 HR, 95 RBI, 85 R, 3 SB
2B: Jose Altuve: Prediction: .285 AVG, 18 HR, 70 RBI, 95 R, 20 SB
3B: Isaac Paredes: Prediction: .240 AVG, 30 HR, 85 RBI, 75 R, 1 SB
DH: Yordan Alvarez: Prediction: .305 AVG, 40 HR, 100 RBI, 95 R, 3 SB
Key Starting Pitchers:
SP1: Framber Valdez: Prediction: 3.35 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 175 K, 14 W
SP2: Hunter Brown: Prediction: 3.60 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 170 K, 14 W
SP3: Ronel Blanco: Prediction: 4.20 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 155 K, 10 W
SP4: Spencer Arrighetti: Prediction: 4.02 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 160 K, 10 W
Key Bullpen Arms:
Closer: Josh Hader: Prediction: 3.10 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 100 K, 35 SV
SU1: Bryan Abreu: Prediction: 3.20 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 90 K, 3 SV
SU2: Tayler Scott: Prediction: 3.60 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 65 K, 2 SV