After a season marked by injuries, the theme of 2026 should be staying healthy. Aside from reshaping their roster, their primary focus is keeping key players on the field. Limiting injuries will be the key to their success.
The Astros had about 26 players hit the injured list at some point during the 2025 season. Some returned before the season ended, like Isaac Paredes, who came off the IL in September after a hamstring strain in July. Meanwhile, Yordan Alvarez, Houston’s clutch power hitter, is only now approaching full recovery after spraining an ankle that ended his season early. Earlier in the year, he also fractured his hand, initially misdiagnosed as a strain, but he was able to return to the field before the ankle sprain occurred.
Here is a look at key players returning to the field in 2026:
Yordan Alvarez, OF
Coming off a left ankle sprain that ended his 2025 season and was initially misdiagnosed. Earlier in the year, he also fractured his hand but was able to return to the field until the ankle sprain occurred.
Josh Hader, RP
Recovering from a shoulder injury that landed him on the IL and ended his season.
For the 2026 season, the Astros should focus on health and keeping players available. Having star players, or really any players, fully healthy could have a major impact, especially as they navigate roster changes. Avoiding another season affected by injuries may ultimately determine how far this team can go.