The Houston Astros solidified their dominance in the American League West with a thrilling 4-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night in Houston. This triumph extends their impressive run, marking the Astros' seventh division title in the last eight years.
Reflecting on their remarkable consistency, the Astros have only missed the top spot once over the past eight seasons, during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. The last full season they didn’t capture the division crown dates back to 2015. This period of supremacy in the AL West has seen Houston breech the 100-win threshold four times. However, this season, they will not repeat that feat and are likely to fall short of last year's 90 wins as well.
Despite not reaching the 100-win mark this season, the Astros' fight and resilience guarantee them a third seed in the American League playoffs. This positioning sets them up to face the sixth seed, the final wild-card spot in the AL playoffs. Their season began with a dismal 12-24 record, and by June 18, they had a 33-40 record, lagging behind by ten games in their division. Yet, from mid-June onward, Houston turned their season around with a remarkable 53-32 run, showcasing their resolve and depth.
However, the road wasn’t always smooth for the Astros. They faced significant setbacks, losing key starting pitchers such as Cristian Javier, José Urquidy, and J.P. France for the season. In addition, Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis García haven't pitched in the majors this year, and veteran ace Justin Verlander managed just 16 starts. On the offensive side, outfielder Kyle Tucker saw limited action, playing in his 75th game only this Monday. A glimmer of hope came at the trade deadline with the addition of Yusei Kikuchi, who contributed valuable depth.
The Astros’ postseason journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since 2015, they have not fallen short of the American League Championship Series (ALCS). This period includes clinching four pennants and celebrating two World Series victories. Overcoming a daunting 10-game deficit to reclaim the AL West crown this year is yet another testament to their enduring excellence.
As the postseason looms, the Astros’ ability to adapt and thrive despite the odds continues to be their hallmark. Their run over the last eight seasons signifies not just a moment of glory, but an era of sustained excellence that few teams in Major League Baseball can match. With their eyes set on another deep playoff run, the Houston Astros remain an indomitable force, prepared to add another chapter to their story of success.