The Astros are 31-37 heading into a nine-game stretch against teams with worse records. This is the perfect opportunity to build real momentum heading into the summer months.
A Favorable Schedule
The Astros have a favorable stretch ahead, with every upcoming opponent currently sitting below .500. Getting to .500 by the All-Star break is an attainable goal, and with Hunter Brown returning during the Tigers series next week, this team is about to get a significant boost.
Yordan Alvarez and the Triple Crown Chase
Alvarez is the AL MVP front-runner and leading the Triple Crown conversation. He leads the AL with 22 home runs and 48 RBI while batting .316. With Aaron Judge on the IL, the MVP race is essentially his to win. A Triple Crown would be historic for the franchise and for Alvarez personally.
The Outfield Problem
The Astros outfield has been one of the worst in baseball all season. Nine different players have started in left field through 67 games. Finding a reliable outfielder before the August 3 deadline is the biggest priority. Cam Smith is the one constant, but even he has a .670 OPS.
Jeremy Peña's Future
Houston tried and failed to extend Peña last season, and he hired Scott Boras to represent him. He is one year away from hitting the open market, putting him in the exact same position Kyle Tucker was in before the Astros traded him to the Cubs. Houston received a prospect and two major league players in that deal. The same could happen with Peña if the Astros fall out of contention before August 3.
Vázquez vs. Díaz
Since Vazquez became the primary catcher, the pitching staff has posted a 3.99 ERA, compared to a 5.75 ERA in the games Diaz started earlier this season, per MLB. That is a significant difference. With Diaz expected to return soon, the Astros will have an interesting decision to make. Vazquez has clearly earned more playing time, but at 35 years old, he cannot be overworked. How Espada manages the two is one of the most interesting decisions of the second half.
The next few weeks will tell us a lot about what kind of team the Astros really are. The schedule is favorable, and the roster is getting healthier. They really have all the pieces to the puzzle now, but the question is, can they put it together?
