For the first time since 2016, the Houston Astros will not be playing October baseball. Houston struggled in the final week of the regular season and was left out of the final WC spot due to a string of losses.
With several important decisions to be made this offseason, some believe the Astros' playoff window may be closing. Framber Valdez is set to hit the open market, and GM Dana Brown has made it clear the entire roster is under full evaluation.
Astros predicted to miss 2026 postseason
In a recent piece by Bleacher Report, the Astros fall into the category of "In Need of a Reset: Eyes on 2027" when projecting non-playoff teams' outlook for next season.
Basically, Bleacher Report is saying the Astros need a slight rebuild year to get things back on track.
With Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa maybe sliding out of their primes, Yordan Alvarez's injury concerns, and Valdez leaving in free agency, the cause for concern in Houston is warranted.
2027 is a good target season for Houston, as that allows the organization to develop some of its young talent further, and maybe add another piece or two via free agency this winter.
However, it is the Astros who have proven to be one of the best organizations in baseball over the last decade, and it wouldn't be smart to fully count them out in 2026.
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