Can the Houston Astros claim their second-straight World Series?

The Houston Astros captured their first-ever World Series championship last season. They seemed poised again for another deep postseason run. But will they earn back-to-back titles?

No team has done it since the 2000 New York Yankees. Only the Philadelphia Phillies came close to accomplishing the feat this decade. But the Houston Astros have an opportunity to claim back-to-back World series titles.

And thus far, they are in good shape to at least contend for another one.

However, the club’s talent isn’t the only variable in the algorithm. A more competitive league – and division – can deny Houston entry into the Fall Classic. Second-half slumps, injuries and blockbuster trades also influence what happens this time of year.

Nevertheless, the Astros look as capable as they were last season, if not even more capable. On the surface, Houston sits third in the overall MLB standings, only behind the Yankees and Red Sox.

Yet, when everything is taken into account, it’s difficult to bet against the Astros.

Most defending champions since 2013 hovered around the .500 mark at the midway point in the season. However, as pitcher Dallas Keuchel promised, Houston didn’t endure a World Series hangover.

Only the Red Sox boast a better, more productive offense. However, the Astros sport the best pitching staff in the league by a large margin. Houston also possesses the largest run difference in the league.

Essentially, all of the ingredients – statistics – for the Astros result in success. And even if the front office refrains from making any big moves prior to the trade deadline, Houston will still be a major contender.

Of course, arguments can be made to discourage that belief. The Dodgers’ recent transaction

Ultimately, the second half clearly has great importance on a team’s postseason run. But based on the results from the first half of the year, Houston looks poised for another deep run.