HOUSTON ASTROS (84-78), 3RD, AL WEST
uSeason snapshot: Houston couldn’t duplicate or improve on its American League wild-card berth of 2015, and lefthander scuffled for most of the season and fell well short of repeating as the AL Cy Young Award winner. Among other reasons for Houston’s tumble into third place was its showing against its in-state rival. The Texas Rangers wore out the Astros, winning 15 of 19 games between them. But while the team fell short, it received some standout performances. Second baseman hit .338 to win his second AL batting title and is a contender for the league’s MVP award. Outfielder (29 home runs, 82 RBI) avoided injuries to produce his best season. Designated hitter-catcher
surpassed 30 homers for the first time. Even shortstop the reigning AL rookie of the year, re- bounded after a slow start to finish with 20 homers and 96 RBI.
uWhat now: The structure is in place for the Astros, meaning they don’t need to rebuild as much as refocus. It is a team stacked with emerging talent, and those youngsters should be that much better next season. Houston has to hope an offseason of rest will rejuvenate Keuchel’s balky shoulder, which led to his 9-12 record and 4.55 ERA and the team’s decision to shut him down in the season’s final weeks. The team thought it had a closer in after surrendering quite a package to acquire him from the Philadelphia Phillies. But Giles was uneven, at best, and among the team’s biggest holes to fill is finding someone to get those final three outs.
uFree agent focus: Some interesting players could hit the market — outfielder
right-hander
catcher and third baseman Rasmus struggled with an ear infection, and his average barely exceeded the Mendoza line. Fister could return at the right price. Castro is a building block and should be with the club next year. Valbuena’s status is uncertain with rookie having played so well at that position.
uProspects to watch: With so much young talent reaching the majors this year, might Houston’s pipeline be dry? Not exactly. Right-hander is on the cusp of contributing, thanks to a fastball that hits the high 90s and a developing curveball. a 6-7 righthander, could be a top-end piece in the rotation and figures to be in the mix during spring training.
Jay Paris