Astros Come in Near the Bottom in the Way Too Early 2027 ESPN MLB Power Rankings

The 2026 MLB season is now over as the Milwaukee Brewers were able to clinch the World Series 4-1 over the Tampa Bay Rays, and with that said, it is now time to take a look at where the Houston Astros are heading into 2027.

Speaking of the Astros' outlook for 2027, ESPN MLB writer David Schoenfield put out his way too early 2027 MLB power rankings, and in those power rankings, the Astros came in near the bottom at No. 24, which demonstrates that Houston may have some work to do in order to be competitive heading into next year.

Looking at how the Astros did in 2026, they finished with an overall record of 81-81, and in the final power rankings, Schoenfield ranked them No. 15. 

As far as what helped Houston to have success this year, designated hitter Yordan Alvarez was at the very top of that list as he nearly won the Triple Crown and was arguably the best hitter in the entire MLB.

Schoenfield also added that closing pitcher Josh Hader was great for the Astros, as well as their overall ability to hit home runs as a team, as they led MLB with 226 home runs. However, even with the success that Alvarez, Hader, and the lineup had this year, it was not enough to help Houston be consistent, which led to an early postseason exit.

With all that said, Schoenfield does not show a ton of optimism for Houston which is indicated by him ranking the Astros at No. 24 in his early power rankings for 2027.

Additionally, Schoenfield notes that there could be some changes this offseason with a list of key free agents including pitchers Bryan Abreu and Steven Okert as well as Daulton Varsho and the fact that shortstop Jeremy Pena, third baseman Isaac Paredes, and first baseman Christian Walker are heading into their walk year.

Looking ahead even further, Alvarez and pitchers Josh Hader and Hunter Brown are two years away from being eligible for free agency as well.

So, when considering the status of all the players on this roster, it is evident that there are plenty of decisions to make when it comes to building the team, but that is not even mentioning the fact that the Astros still need to hire a general manager and a new manager, which makes all of this movement even more difficult for owner Jim Crane to manage.

Focusing on the moves that have to be made when it comes to the roster, ESPN does note that there will be $40 million more to utilize, but because of the number of players who could be on the move this offseason and in future years, the Astros could definitely be looking at making a significant number of moves via trade to collect draft assets and ensure they can get something for most of the players who do want to leave.

So, based on all of the potential movement and the fact that the Astros still need to find their next GM and their next manager, it does seem like the 2027 season could be a rough one, but ultimately, if Crane can find the right people to make the key decisions and Houston can develop well, this team could be set up for future success even if next year is not a great showing.

More From Astros Roundtable:

Jose Altuve Is Slowing Down, but How Much Does He Have Left

Can the Astros Fix Their Pitching Problems Before the 2027 Season

Three Lessons the Astros Can Learn From the Brewers' World Series Win

MLBPA Announces 2 Award Wins For Astros' Yordan Alvarez