Way too early power rankings from ESPN.
24. Houston Astros
2026 record: 81-81
Final 2026 ranking: 15
Key free agents: Bryan Abreu, Steven Okert, Daulton Varsho
Potential 2027 impact rookies: OF Lucas Spence, RHP Ethan Pecko
The Astros had three big strengths in 2026: Yordan Alvarez, Josh Hader and home runs (most in the majors). That was good enough to win 81 games and a division title, but this organization is running on fumes. Check out the run differentials since 2021: plus-205, plus-219, plus-129, plus-91, plus-21, minus-32. The Astros' payroll will be about $40 million below where it was in 2026, so there's some room to make some moves, but with Jeremy Pena, Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker all in their walk years and Alvarez, Hader and Hunter Brown two seasons from free agency, there will be plenty of trade rumors surrounding the Astros. Given the weak state of the farm system, you could argue the smart move would be to start the rebuilding process -- but that isn't owner Jim Crane's style.
But the window never closes.
Yeah, my ass.
I love Texas Aggie sports, but I love Texas A&M more.