Astros 2018 Season Preview
Ready to check out our 2018 Houston Astros predictions? The Houston Astros are loaded again this season. The defending Champions are going to be the hunted this season. Last year, the Astros caught the league by storm. This year, Houston should expect their best shot from everyone.
MLB Astros Predictions & Handicapping Insight
Winning the World Series was a game changer for everyone associated with the Astros organization. It will be interesting to see how hungry this year’s team is. Everyone knows how hard it is to repeat, but the Astros are talented enough to get back.
The Astros should win the AL West without question. If the Astros play even close to like they did last year, they should have no problem doing so.
2018 MLB Team Previews – Houston Astros
- American League West +275
- American League +650
- World Series +500
Key Additions:
- RHP Gerrit Cole
- RHP Joe Smith,
- RHP Hector Rondon
Houston picking up Gerrit Cole from the Pirates this off season was a good move. Cole was in a bad situation last year with Pittsburgh, but did show he can start on a contender from time to time.
Cole went 12-12 with a 4.26 ERA last season in Pittsburgh. He must do better this year in a Astros uniform.
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Hector Rondon carried a 4.24 ERA last year. Joe Smith could be the Astros best incoming pitcher he carried a 3.33 ERA last year.
Key Losses:
- Luke Gregerson
- RHP Mike Fiers
The loss of Mike Fiers and Luke Gregerson won’t be sorely missed. Both Fiers and Gregerson under-performed last season.
Astros Predictions: Projected Lineup:
- CF George Springer
- 3B Alex Bregman
- 2B José Altuve
- SS Carlos Correa
- 1B Yuli Gurriel
- RF Josh Reddick
- DH Evan Gattis
- LF Derek Fisher
- C Brian McCann
Houston returns everyone from last year’s starting lineup. Houston has the best lineup top to bottom in the majory, and proved why last year. Look for the Yankees to be the biggest threat to matching the power and skill of the Astros. Carlos Correa is healthy this year.
Everyone knows the lineup has pop, but they are also a good defensive team as well. Jose Altuve, George Springer and Carlos Correa are the teams big three.
Astros Predictions: Projected Rotation:
- RH Justin Verlander
- LH Dallas Keuchel
- RH Gerrit Cole
- RH Lance McCullers
- RH Charlie Morton
Justin Verlander was light’s out last season for Houston. The late season move was one of the best moves in the history of the Astros franchise.
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Now, this year with Verlander back for a full season, the Astros have the best starting lineup in the Majors.
Aside from Verlander’s brilliance, Dallas Keuchel is an ace on any other team in the MLB. Gerrit Cole was a solid pickup from Pittsburgh. Not to mention Lance McCullers was an all star last season and Charlie Morton was a post season hero round out the five man rotation.
Astros Predictions: Projected Closer:
- RH Ken Giles
If McCullers is able to get healthy coming into this year, the back end of the rotation is going to be the best in the in the AL.
McCullers arguably has some of the best stuff in the rotation, but an get frustrated at times and cost himeslf and the Astros games. Physically he has the arm to get it done. It’s mentally where McCullers is having issues. Look for McCullers to be much improved in 2018.
Charlie Morton was quietly 14-7 with a 3.62 ERA. Morton also showed up big for the Astros in the postseason. Look for Morton to play big in big games for Houston.
2018 Houston Astros Prediction:
The Astros should have no issues winning the AL West in blowout fashion this year. No team in the AL West is comparable to the Astros right now. At best the Angels are going to challege, but won’t have enough to dethrone the Champions.
Houston is going to hit bombs this year. The only other team to compare will be the New York Yankees. Expect the Yankees and Astros to meet again in this year’s postseason.
Jose Altuve is the league’s reigning AL MVP. He will again play at a high level, and could be in competition with a few teammates for the MVP title this year.
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Carlos Correa and George Springer are arguably the teams most complete players aside from Altve. They both can be in the running for MVP this year.
The Astros will be right in the middle of everything again this year. Look for a big year in Houston.
What do you think of our 2018 Houston Astros predictions? Comments are welcome below.
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