Let’s not completely freak out about the Astros.
We could have said that so many times throughout this very weird 2026 season, but that includes right now. Yes, they have won four straight series. Yes, they are just 2.5 back in the division and one in the Wild Card. Yes, they have a winning record in June.
But, also yes, this has been a pretty soft scheduled month. And, yes, part of the improvement happens to be because several of their injured players have returned. Also, yes, the AL is pretty awful and the AL West is the worst division in baseball.
So, how do we actually evaluate a team that was absolutely dreadful for a stretch of the season now clawing itself back to mediocrity? Let’s look at it by position and see who has turned the corner and who hasn’t.
Starting Rotation
Hunter Brown has returned, Peter Lambert continues to be a surprise, both Kai-Wei Teng and Tasuya Imai have seemed to bounce back, Spencer Arrighetti is still very good, and Mike Burrows just delivered six innings of one-run baseball after a stint in the bullpen. Oh, and Ronel Blanco could return sooner rather than later.
That seems…pretty good. Especially considering just how bad this team was on the mound early in the season. In some ways it felt like the Astros pitching couldn’t possibly be as bad as it was. Turns out, it probably wasn’t.
Verdict: Turned the Corner
Bullpen
The return of Josh Hader has loomed large for the Astros. So too has the stabilizing of the back-end of the ‘pen with Bryan King, Steven Okert and Enyel De Los Santos. With some long relief from A.J. Blubaugh, this is a squad that seems to have righted a sinking ship.
On the other hand, there’s Bryan Abreu. Currently on the restricted list due to an undisclosed private matter and an ERA above six, the question of when/if Abreu returns hangs out there. Could a deadline move be in the offing?
Verdict: Rounding the Corner
Outfield
Recently, someone on the radio noted that most players get thousands of at bats in the minors before their first plate appearance in the majors. Cam Smith got fewer than 150 and all of those were at second base. The very fact that he has become one of the best defensive right fielders in the AL while being average at the plate (with serious power) is nothing short of remarkable. But no one should expect he or Brice Matthews to be producing in the majors even if that’s what the Astros need.
From a defensive standpoint, this is still a very good group. The addition of Joey Loperfido gives them a left-handed bat (along with Taylor Trammell) and someone with at least a modicum of experience at the plate. But, it is tough to make up for the inexperience of the younger players and the lack of offense from Jake Meyers, who is seeing his playing time slip.
Verdict: Still Trying to Find the Corner
Infield
With Jeremy Peña back and playing well, this has become a very solid group. We have to include Yainer Diaz in that as well because he isn’t tearing the cover off the ball but neither was Christian Vasquez whose fast start has fizzled. The other Christian (Walker) continues to be a bright spot and Jose Altuve is, like most years, three straight hits away from a streak.
Then there is Isaac Paredes. He hasn’t exactly been what the Astros could have hoped for, but when you lose Carlos Correa for the year, it’s pretty handy to have a guy like Paredes to plug in even with all the trade fodder in the offseason. Outside of the guy we will talk about next, this is the best offensive group of players on the ballclub and above average defenders as well.
Verdict: Turned the Corner
Yordan Alvarez
The man deserves and gets a category by himself because he is one of the best hitters in all of baseball. His occasional defense in left field has been adequate (his arm is still a cannon though), but his bat is what terrifies opposing pitchers. He’s leading the AL MVP conversation with good reason.
And he isn’t risking any dumb injuries by participating in the Home Run Derby. Yes!
Verdict: Left the Corner Behind Months Ago
Overall
Honestly, determining whether the Astros have turned the corner or not is mostly dependent upon what your definition of that is. If turning around their season and getting closer to .500 is your measuring stick, they have absolutely done that. If it is becoming on of the best teams in the AL is how you gauge that decision, they have a ways to go.
For us, it’s more about the path they are on relative to what other teams in the American League, particularly their own division, are doing. In that regard, things seem to be going in the right direction.
Verdict: The Light is Green and Their Turn Signal is On
