If you’re just tuning in to the 2026 season, things aren’t going well for Houston. The Astros escaped a doubleheader with the Orioles yesterday despite allowing 15 runs in those games. They entered Friday’s game sitting on a 12-20 record. Houston’s bullpen has been far and away the worst in baseball, given its star closer Josh Haderlongest in IL to start the season. Bryan Abreu went from a top game setup guy to a mediocre mid-level official in a short period of time; his fastball has dropped more than two miles per hour, and his ERA remains just shy of 13.00. Veterans Another De Los Santos again Steven Okert it was cheap pickups last year that played a big role. Both are back (and then some) in 2026.
Meanwhile, the rotation that brought in a few new arms this winter has been a little better. Once again, injuries played a role. Ace Hunter Brown the shoulder is out. Download of the season Tatsuya Imaia rightful star in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, struggled before hitting IL with arm fatigue. Cristian Javier he has been sidelined for at least June because of his shoulder problem. Ronel Blanco again Hayden Wesneski still in preparation from 2025 Tommy John surgery. He is not expected to return before the All-Star break.
The list provided at least one good production. Houston hitters are hitting .265/.346/.438 as a group. A disproportionate amount of their production comes from the slugger Jordan Alvarezwho finishes opposing pitchers at an MVP-caliber clip, but he’s not alone. Christian Walker he’s done more than right the ship after a bad start in 2025 — he’s arguably hitting better than ever. Jose Altuve again Carlos Correa they were comfortably better than average in the dish. Isaac Paredes he found his stride after a slow start himself.
Even on this side of the ball, however, the ‘Stros have had challenges. Jeremy Peña limited to just 10 games due to two injuries (broken finger, hamstring strain). Jake Meyers looked solid for twelve games before an oblique strain sent him to the shelf. Rediscovered Joey Loperfido he was strong for 20 tournaments before straining his quad. In recent weeks, Houston has been consistently coming off the roster, including players like themselves Braden Shewmake, Daniel Johnson again Dustin Harriseach of them was acquired simply because the club needed warm bodies and lacked depth.
That’s indicative of a much larger and concerning trend in Houston — one that questions the team’s outlook beyond the current season.
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