In a thrilling showdown in Houston, the Astros clinched the American League West title with a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners. This triumph solidifies their position as the dominant force in the division, marking their seventh division title in the last eight years.
The Astros' consistent success over nearly a decade is a testament to their resilience and skill. The only blemish on their near-perfect record came during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. When considering full-length seasons, the last time they failed to top the division was back in 2015. Highlighting their dominance, the Astros have surpassed the 100-win mark on four occasions over this stretch.
A Season of Challenges
Despite their impressive track record, the Astros faced significant challenges this season. They began the year with a dismal 12-24 record, and by June 18, they were at 33-40, trailing the division leaders by a daunting ten games. From that point, however, the team turned their season around with a 53-32 record, showcasing their tenacity and depth. Yet, even with this remarkable comeback, the Astros are set to miss the 100-win milestone for this season, and they may even fall short of last year's 90-win tally.
Injuries have plagued the Astros, particularly among their starting pitchers. Cristian Javier, José Urquidy, and J.P. France have all been sidelined for the season, while Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis García haven't pitched in the majors at all in 2024. Furthermore, Justin Verlander, the veteran ace, has managed just 16 starts this season. The offense hasn't been immune either, with Kyle Tucker playing in just his 75th game this past Monday.
Strategic Moves
In response to their pitching woes, the Astros made a crucial acquisition at the trade deadline, bringing in Yusei Kikuchi. This move was decisive in fortifying their rotation for the crucial final months of the season.
With the regular season winding down, the Astros are likely to secure the third seed in the American League playoffs. This seeding positions them against the sixth seed, the final wild-card spot, in the AL playoffs. Such a scenario ensures that their path to the World Series remains arduous, yet plausible given their playoff pedigree.
Sustained Excellence
Since 2015, the Astros have not fallen short of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), a streak that includes four league pennants and two World Series victories. Their sustained excellence is perhaps best exemplified by overcoming the 10-game deficit to reclaim the AL West crown this year.
The Astros' journey this season has been emblematic of their character and culture — a blend of resilience, strategic acumen, and sheer talent. While this season posed numerous challenges, the team’s ability to adapt and persevere underscores why they remain perennial contenders in Major League Baseball.