The Houston Astros won 87 games last season but didn’t make the playoffs. Heading into 2026, they’ll be without their ace, Framber Valdez, after he signed with the Detroit Tigers. They also lost utility man Mauricio Dubon, catcher Victor Caratini, and reliever Craig Kimbrel. In return, the Astros received Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, pitcher Mike Burrows, and defensive infielder Nick Allen. Despite bringing in some talented players, it doesn’t seem to be enough to take hold of first place in the division.
