The Houston Astros face their most challenging season in recent memory with camp opening. The reigning American League West champions, eliminated by the Detroit Tigers in last year’s Wild Card Series, have undergone significant roster changes that could reshape their championship aspirations. From departed stars to pitching concerns, here are the five biggest questions facing Houston as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Who steps up for Astros with departures of Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker?
The Astros must overcome the losses of right fielder Kyle Tucker and third baseman Alex Bregman. Tucker, who hit 23 home runs with a .993 OPS in 78 games last season, was traded to the Chicago Cubs in a blockbuster deal as he enters free agency after the season. Bregman, meanwhile, agreed to a three-year, $120 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. The Astros are hoping All-Stars Isaac Paredes, who was acquired in the Tucker trade, and Christian Walker can fill the offensive void.
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Will Jose Altuve officially move to left field?
Isaac Paredes currently holds the starting role at third base, while the outfield will likely see a rotation led by Chas McCormick and Ben Gamel. This situation creates interesting possibilities for Jose Altuve, whose natural position is second base. With Paredes potentially moving around the infield, Altuve has been practicing in left field. Any outfield appearances for Altuve would likely be part-time as the team determines its optimal lineup.
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Will rotation dominated by right handers be downfall for Astros?
Houston’s starting rotation features an unusual right-handed dominance, with Framber Valdez as the lone left-hander. This imbalance could prompt a mid-season trade or signing. The departure of Yusei Kikuchi, who impressed in his brief Astros tenure (5-1, 2.70 ERA, 76 strikeouts in 60 innings over 10 starts after arriving from Toronto), further highlights this concern.
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How will Astros build bullpen?
Beyond veteran closer Josh Hader and eighth-inning specialist Bryan Abreu, the Astros’ bullpen lacks experienced arms following the Ryan Pressly trade to the Cubs. The current group includes Taylor Scott (68⅔ innings, 4.94 ERA last season), Shawn Dubin, Bryan King, and Forrest Whitley. This depth could become crucial during the late-season push and playoffs.
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When will Lance McCullers Jr. return?
Lance McCullers Jr. hasn’t pitched since Game 3 of the 2022 World Series, throwing just 47⅔ regular-season innings since the end of 2021. After undergoing flexor tendon surgery in June 2023 and suffering a setback, McCullers appears ahead of schedule in his recovery. He has completed seven bullpen sessions and could appear in Grapefruit League games by late March. In his last full season in 2021, McCullers posted a 13-5 record with a 3.16 ERA across 162⅓ innings.
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