The Houston Astros, once a perennial contender, have stumbled to a dismal 12-23 start to the 2024 season, prompting questions about their future and the possibility of trades.
Amidst the Bronx Bombers' offensive barrage on Tuesday, the Houston Astros absorbed a demoralizing 10-3 defeat, extending their losing streak against their AL West rivals to five games. This disappointing start has cast a pall over the Astros' season, leaving many wondering when they will regain their winning ways—or if they will at all.
Manager Aaron Boone, while acknowledging Houston's unexpected struggles, remains optimistic: "Hopefully, we can push that off for a few days... They have all the players and talent."
Despite Boone's assurances, the Astros' lackluster performance has sparked concerns among league executives, who speculate that Houston could become a seller at the July 30 trade deadline. The team's track record alone, with seven consecutive ALCS appearances, suggests a turnaround is possible. However, the extended slump has raised doubts about their ability to recover in time.
"It's obviously magnified at the start of the season," said Boone. "And it's probably a longer stretch than, certainly, they've been used to."
Alex Bregman, Houston's third baseman, acknowledges the team's execution issues: "We just gotta put the whole thing together."
Memorial Day weekend typically provides a clearer picture of a team's trajectory. David Stearns, president of baseball operations for the Mets, suggests 45 games as a reasonable barometer. The Astros have approximately 10 games remaining to prove their worth.
Despite the adversity, general manager Dana Brown remains adamant: "I think this team is too good... I can't predict any scenario where we become sellers."
However, the Astros' production has been alarmingly low, with Tuesday's three hits tying a season low. The pressure to improve is palpable, and each loss only intensifies the unease within the team.
"We haven't executed enough as a complete unit," said Bregman.
The starting pitching has been a major concern, with the team surrendering double-digit runs five times this season. Tuesday's defeat was particularly disappointing, as Justin Verlander was expected to lead the Astros to victory.
Verlander's struggles have reignited trade chatter surrounding the veteran ace, who is set to be a free agent after this season. His lack of strikeouts and declining velocity have raised questions about his effectiveness at age 41.
"If anything, I figured out that I need to be better," said Verlander. "I have a lot of work to do."
With the Astros mired in mediocrity, the once unthinkable scenario of trading away key players is increasingly discussed. Brown's assertion that Houston will not be sellers may be tested as the team navigates these turbulent waters.
"We'll see what we're made of," said Bregman. "And who."
The Astros' poor start has put their future in jeopardy. As they approach the point where their struggles can no longer be dismissed as a mere lapse, the possibility of a major roster shakeup looms large.
