The Houston Astros have a chance to become the first team to win back-to-back World Series since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees. The Astros won the World Series in 2017 and made it to the World Series in 2019, but lost to the Washington Nationals. They have clinched a postseason berth for the seventh straight year in 2023[4]. However, their odds of winning the World Series have decreased after losing a series to the Oakland Athletics and another to the Kansas City Royals[12]. FanGraphs gives the Astros a 17.3% chance to win the World Series in 2023.
The Houston Astros have a talented roster with many key players to watch for in the World Series. Here are some of the players to keep an eye on:
Pitchers:
- Lance McCullers Jr.: McCullers has been a key starter for the Astros and has a 3.16 ERA in 2023.
- Ryan Pressly: Pressly has been a reliable closer for the Astros with a 2.08 ERA and 31 saves in 2023.
- Luis García: García has been a solid starter for the Astros with a 3.30 ERA in 2023.
Position Players:
- Jose Altuve: Altuve is a veteran second baseman and has been a key player for the Astros for many years. He has a .284 batting average and 22 home runs in 2023.
- Alex Bregman: Bregman is a talented third baseman and has a .276 batting average and 28 home runs in 2023[1].
- Carlos Correa: Correa is a talented shortstop and has a .282 batting average and 27 home runs in 2023[1].
- Kyle Tucker: Tucker is a young outfielder and has a .276 batting average and 28 home runs in 2023.
- Yordan Alvarez: Alvarez is a powerful designated hitter and has a .267 batting average and 34 home runs in 2023[1].
Historically, the Astros have had many great players. Here are some of the greatest players in franchise history:
- Jeff Bagwell
- Craig Biggio
- Jose Cruz
- Billy Wagner
- Cesar Cedeno
- Joe Niekro
Overall, the Astros have a talented roster with many key players to watch for in the World Series.
Who are the up-and-coming players to watch for on the Astros in the World Series?
The Houston Astros have a strong farm system with several up-and-coming players to watch for in the World Series. Here are some of the players to keep an eye on:
- Jacob Melton: Melton is a highly-touted outfield prospect and is ranked as the Astros’ top prospect by MLB.com[1]. He is expected to make his debut in 2025.
- Luis Baez: Baez is another outfield prospect and is ranked as the Astros’ second-best prospect by MLB.com[1]. He is expected to make his debut in 2027.
- Spencer Arrighetti: Arrighetti is a right-handed pitcher and is ranked as the Astros’ fourth-best prospect by MLB.com[1]. He is expected to make his debut in 2024.
- Brice Matthews: Matthews is a shortstop prospect and is ranked as the Astros’ fifth-best prospect by MLB.com[1]. He is expected to make his debut in 2026.
- Zach Dezenzo: Dezenzo is a third baseman and second baseman prospect and is ranked as the Astros’ sixth-best prospect by MLB.com[1]. He is expected to make his debut in 2025.
In addition to these prospects, there are also several players on the current Astros roster who could break out in the World Series. Chas McCormick, a center fielder, is a seasoned player who delivered some playoff heroics in the 2022 World Series[4]. Corey Julks, Cesar Salazar, J.P. France, Brandon Bielak, and others are also promising prospects in the Astros’ farm system[6].
Overall, the Astros have a strong mix of established veterans and up-and-coming players to watch for in the World Series.
