Houston Astros 2018 Season Preview
The Houston Astros had about as good of a season as they could have hoped last year. What will they do for an encore?
Remember back in 2013, when Sport Illustrated proclaimed the Houston Astros the World Series winners in 2017? As it turns out, whoever made that determination could give Nostradamus a run for his money as a clairvoyant. They powered their way through the American League West, taking the division by 21 games over the second place Angels.
The postseason was a tougher road, but the Astros prevailed. They took out the Red Sox in four games, only to face the Yankees in a thrilling ALCS. Houston took that series in seven games, with Lance McCullers sealing the win by throwing 24 consecutive curveballs to end the game. Then, the Astros faced off against the Dodgers, taking home their first championship in a thrilling seven game series. It was an instant classic, and a run that will not be soon forgotten.
And yet, as easy as the Astros ride appeared to be, there were problems. Mike Fiers started 28 games last year to lead the Astros rotation. Eleven different pitchers started at least one game for Houston last year, and the bullpen had quite a few holes. Nonetheless, the Astros were healthy when it mattered, and embarked upon a truly magical run.
With a young team that is still growing, and plenty of star power still in their prime, the Houston Astros are set up to make another push for a championship. Will 2018 be a repeat performance?
Houston Astros additions and subtractions:
Key Additions: Gerrit Cole, Joe Smith, Hector Rondon
Newcomer to watch: Gerrit Cole. No longer asked to be the ace of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cole will instead slot in as the Astros fourth starter. He may now be the best fourth starter in baseball.
Cole has had injury concerns in the past, missing time with a triceps strain and elbow inflammation in 2016. Last season, he led the National League with 33 starts, but struggled when he was on the mound His 4.26 ERA (and 4.08 FIP) were the worst of his career, as he was plagued by his 31 home runs allowed. However, Cole had a 1.251 WHiP and a 3.56 K:BB rate, showing that he still had the potential to be a front line starter.
His addition gives Houston another impressive arm, one with postseason experience who can help the Astros withstand another spate of injuries like last year. If healthy, this rotation could be the best in the game.
Key Losses: Luke Gregerson, Mike Fiers, Nori Aoki, Carlos Beltran
Biggest loss: Luke Gregerson. Even though he struggled at times in 2017, Gregerson provided a nice safety net in the back of the Astros bullpen in case Ken Giles suddenly lost the zone.
Originally signed to be the Astros closer, Gregerson did well in that role in 2015, notching 31 saves with a 3.10 ERA and a 0.951 WHiP. Although he lost the role when Giles was acquired prior to 2016, he stepped back in during the during the former Phillie’s struggles, performing well until Giles was ready. He was a valuable veteran presence, someone that could handle any situation the Astros needed him in.
Yes, the Houston Astros strengthened their bullpen this offseason. However, the loss of Luke Gregerson may prove to be far greater than anticipated.
What should be expected from the Houston Astros in 2018?
At this point in time, the Houston Astros have to be considered the clear favorite to win the American League West.
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The question now is whether or not they can win the World Series for a second consecutive time. They have strengthened the weaknesses on the roster, adding another top arm to the rotation and fortifying a bullpen that was borderline mediocre at times last year. And yet, there is still one Achilles Heel that may jump up and bite the Astros this year.
Currently, the Astros only real lefty reliever is Tony Sipp, who struggled for the second consecutive season. He posted a 5.79 ERA and a 1.393 WHiP, with lefties hitting him at a .247/.304/.548 rate. In those 80 plate appearances, lefties had five homers against Sipp. That performance really does not inspire confidence heading into this season.
And yet, if a reliable lefty reliever is the biggest weakness on the Astros, they are in good shape. Indeed, the lineup seems poised to take another step forward, as Carlos Correa and Alex Bregman have another year under their belt. With an improved rotation and better health, there is no question that the Astros could replicate last season’s performance.
Next: Astros top ten prospects
The Houston Astros have all the makings of a playoff team. The question now is how far will they go? Prediction: First place in AL West.