The Houston Astros are looking to become the first Major League Baseball team to win back-to-back World Series titles since the New York Yankees in 1999 and 2000, and this team is well equipped to do so.
The Astros had a little extra motivation last season after Hurricane Harvey ripped through the city of Houston, and as the whole country rallied around the team in the playoffs, the Astros didn’t disappoint.
The starting rotation might be the best complete rotation in the game right now, with four pitchers that could be the ace anywhere else.
Justin Verlander, Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers Jr. headlined the pitching for the team last season. The Astros added another dominant pitcher to the rotation this offseason by signing Gerrit Cole from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
This rotation is going to be a nightmare for many teams in the American League, and batters will have a tough series facing these pitchers.
American League MVP José Altuve is looking like he’ll lead the Astros to a second consecutive AL West title as the main core of players will be returning for the Astros this season to defend their World Series title.
The Astros are very solid defensively all around the diamond, and it has only gotten better every year. This team has the best middle infield duo in the game with Carlos Correa and José Altuve, as well as a rising star at third base in Alex Bergman.
We all saw from the World Series that this team can rake and put the ball in play in the clutch. This team is very entertaining to watch and there is never a dull moment when watching the Astros.
In fact, the Astros reminded me of the Kansas City Royals during their World Series runs in the way that they keep the line moving and they just find ways to win.
The Astros are built for another World Series run, and they are certainly my favorites to win the American League pennant.
If you are looking for a team to watch this season, the Astros have a good balance of dominant pitching and a star-studded offense.
