HOUSTON ASTROS

LAST SEASON: 101-61 (won AL West, ALCS and World Series)

HITTING: The Astros had the most potent offense in baseball last year, leading the majors in runs, hits, doubles, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging, while striking out fewer times than any other club. Houston has the potential to post even greater numbers this year, as the club is expected to return its entire lineup nearly intact. That group includes reigning American League Most Valuable Player Jose

Altuve (.346, 24 HR, 32 stolen bases); center fielder George Springer (.283, 34 HR); shortstop Carlos Correa (.315, 24 HR); and first baseman Yuli Gurriel (.299, 18 HR).

PITCHING: The Astros boast two Cy Young Award winners (right-hander Justin Verlander and left-hander Dallas Keuchel) in what is expected to be a deep starting rotation this season. All-Star Lance McCullers also returns, as does Charlie Morton — who won two Game 7s during the postseason — and Collin McHugh, who came back strong after missing the first 3 1/2 months with an injury. Houston traded for hard-throwing right-hander Gerrit Cole, the former ace of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Palm Beach Central High School graduate Brad Peacock, who pitched well during the World Series, is expected to begin the season in the bullpen.

PROSPECTS: The Astros have a handful of highly rated pitching prospects, among them righthander Forrest

Whitley. The 20-year-old former first-round draft pick is rated the No. 10 overall prospect by Baseball America. Other promising prospects include outfielder Kyle Tucker, first baseman/outfielder Yordan Alvarez, and righthander J.B. Bukauskas.

PREDICTION: There’s every reason to believe the Astros could win back-to-back World Series championships.

Houston’s lineup is one of the best in baseball, and its pitching rotation — if healthy — can dominate. The biggest question mark is the bullpen, though moves were made in the offseason to shore it up.