Astros Named Silver Slugger Team Finalists Despite 81–81 Season

Despite a rough season, the Houston Astros somehow still managed to become finalists for the American League Silver Slugger Offensive Team of the Year award. They finished 81–81, the worst record ever for a division winner, and were swept out of the postseason by the Chicago White Sox, who are also nominated. It was an ugly way to end an ugly season, but that didn’t stop them from being recognized for their offensive accomplishments.

The Astros led MLB with 226 home runs in 2026. They had the power and then some, but it didn’t get them where they wanted to go. Here’s a closer look at why that wasn’t enough.

They struggled to turn those home runs into wins and could never really build the momentum they needed. That said, leading all of MLB with 226 home runs is not nothing.

The Astros have plenty of power, particularly with Yordan Alvarez. But when their sluggers went through cold streaks, the offense needed other ways to produce runs, and they didn’t have many alternatives. Alvarez is also nominated for the American League Silver Slugger Award, which could be the second of his career.

Given all that power, it makes sense that both Alvarez and the Astros’ offense earned nominations. But their record proves that power isn’t everything. Houston struggled in other areas, and those weaknesses contributed to its disappointing season.

The Astros finished last in MLB with just 50 stolen bases. As aggressive as Jeremy Peña is, he can’t lead the whole team in stealing bases all by himself.

The Astros also struggled to bring runners home from third with fewer than two outs, succeeding just 47.3% of the time. They also struggled to advance runners from second to third with nobody out.

Despite a strong OPS, Houston averaged just 4.53 runs per game, barely above the league average.

Those numbers show that Houston relied too heavily on power instead of manufacturing runs. It can be easy to do when you have someone like Alvarez crushing it, but even Alvarez’s bat cooled off from time to time, and the Astros need another plan when that inevitably happens.

Heading into 2027, Houston needs other ways to drive in runs. Solo home runs are not going to get the job done, and the 2026 season proves that.

The Astros clearly have the power. The question now is whether they can turn it into more consistent run production. That should be one of Randy Flores’ top priorities heading into 2027.

The competition is tough. The White Sox led the American League in runs (776) and RBI (740), and the Rays led it in batting average (.258).

Winning the AL Silver Slugger Offensive Team of the Year award would be a nice boost for a team that really needs one heading into 2027. Winners will be announced November 17 in Louisville, Kentucky.