The Houston Astros are coming off their fourth consecutive American League West division title. The team from H-town ended the regular season with an 88-74 record, earning them a spot in the Wildcard round of the playoffs. The surprising exit in the first round to the red-hot Detroit Tigers ended the 2024 season for the ‘Stros. With key departures and a division that continues to improve, how will the 2025 season play out for Houston? What should bettors look at when investing in a season-long commitment to Houston?
Astros Win Total UNDER 87.5 (-120)
Outlook Based Off Last Season
The Houston Astros have owned the AL West for the last 4 seasons. They have been the kings of the castle, the top of the mountain, and the best in the West. 2024 was no different! Even with a slow start, entering May with a 10-19 record, Houston was able to “right the ship.” For the next five months, the team had winning records month by month.
Houston was third in all Major League Baseball in Average in 2024, hitting .262 as a team. They were also in the top 10 in Home Runs, with 190. Eight players provided a double-digit Home Run total, with Yordan Alvarez leading the way with 35. On the pitching side, the ‘Stros were top-6 with a team ERA of 3.74. Two of their starters, ace Framber Valdez and Ronel Blanco, had great seasons with a sub-3 ERA. These key statistics will give any team the formula to be successful and win many games.
Offseason Moves
There may not be another team in MLB with more key departures than the Houston Astros. Starting pitchers Justin Verlander, Jose Urquidy, and Yusei Kukuchi have found new homes in free agency. Key bullpen arms Hector Neris, Kendall Graveman, and Caleb Ferguson have also tested the free-agent market. Cornerstone piece Alex Bregman signed with the Boston Red Sox, and veteran Jayson Heyward went to the San Diego Padres.
Surprisingly, the Astros dealt slugger Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs for utility man Isaac Paredes and other young talent. Relief pitcher Ryan Pressly was traded to the Cubs in a separate deal, ending the veteran’s six-plus-year tenure with Houston. The team’s only significant addition was bringing in veteran first baseman Christian Walker. Walker signed a 3-year deal after hitting .251 with 26 Home Runs and 84 RBI in his final season with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Final Thoughts
Houston, we may have a problem! It should be interesting to see if the Astros will take a step back this season. With so many key players who made the team successful in the last few seasons gone, will they be able to recover? This is why I am leaning on the under. The Seattle Mariners are improving with their young core. The Athletics formerly residing in Oakland have improved, and the Texas Rangers always seem to be in the mix. I expect Houston to be over .500, but I don’t think they will quite get to 88 wins. I believe they take a small step backward this year with 81 to 85 wins.
The Pick Is In: Houston Astros UNDER 87.5 Wins (-120)
