Let’s take a look at the Astros’ highs and lows over the 2025 season. Based on the year as a whole, the highs likely came from the defense, while the bigger struggles were on offense.
The Astros struggled at times during the 2025 season with consistency at the plate. Injuries to key players disrupted the lineup, and the team’s younger hitters were often called on to step into bigger roles than expected. There were stretches where the batting order lacked production in clutch situations, leaving the pitching staff to try to keep games close.
Plate discipline was another concern. Strikeouts increased in critical moments, and walks didn’t always come at key times. The team also had difficulty with runners in scoring position, failing to convert enough opportunities into runs.
While veterans like José Altuve and Alex Bregman provided experience and power, the overall offensive output wasn’t enough to consistently win games, and the team had to rely heavily on small-ball tactics and situational hitting.
If the Astros want to compete in 2026, addressing these gaps in hitting and building a more balanced, reliable lineup will be crucial.
Team batting stats: AVG: .250, OBP: .315, SLG: .399, OPS: .714, per MLB. At‑bats: 5,490; Hits: 1,372; Home Runs: 182; Strikeouts: 1,301, per Baseball Reference.
The Astros’ saving grace this season was the defense, but it wasn’t enough to get them to the playoffs. Taking a look at what the defense did right, maybe they can carry those successes over to the 2026 season.
Looking at the offense and defense, there is definitely room to improve on both sides; however, the offense was the primary factor that hurt the Astros this past season. With numerous injuries and uncharacteristic mistakes, the Astros need to heal up and focus.
The Astros’ defense was a strong point, allowing the team to stay competitive even when the offense struggled. Solid fundamentals, timely plays, and smart positioning made the infield and outfield a reliable part of the team’s performance.
Overall, they will likely spend the offseason recovering from injuries, re-adjusting the coaching staff, and working with their pitching rotation. With the possibility of losing some of their star players, bringing up prospects from the minors, tightening up the younger talent, and potential trades, the 2026 Astros roster could look very different from the 2025 season: new players and a new coaching philosophy.