The first weekend of baseball is always exciting, but it doesn’t provide much insight into how the season will unfold. The Astros have started slow in each of the past three years, yet they still managed to win the division every time. While it’s unclear how this April will go for Houston, it’s too early to draw any conclusions. A better time to evaluate the 2025 Astros will be in June. With that in mind, here are a few key observations about the team’s current state.
The Astros Have Mishandled Chas McCormick’s Career
Despite dealing with injuries for much of last season, Chas McCormick has been a consistent contributor. From 2021 to 2023, he posted three consecutive seasons of 2+ WAR, despite starting fewer than 120 games each year. While he has a noticeable platoon split, he was still a serviceable hitter against right-handed pitchers.
However, the Astros seem to be moving on from McCormick too quickly. Jake Meyers has been given multiple chances to claim the everyday center field role, so McCormick deserves an opportunity to start regularly in right field. A lineup adjustment that moves Cam Smith to second base and shifts Rodgers to the bench could help maximize McCormick’s value to the team.
Spencer Arrighetti’s Strong Performance
Spencer Arrighetti looked excellent in his most recent outing. While a sophomore slump is always a possibility, he showed significant improvement, particularly with his fastball. Last season, that pitch was one of his weaknesses, but in his most recent start, he posted a 29% called strike + whiff rate (CSW%).
Although Arrighetti may not develop into a top-tier starter, he could be a reliable part of the rotation if he can maintain a FIP around 3.8 and log around 170 innings. If he achieves that, the Astros’ pitching staff will be in solid shape.
The Offense Struggled, but It’s Too Early to Panic
Houston’s lineup had a rough start to the season, but it’s too soon to worry. One of the biggest concerns is Walker, who currently looks like another disappointing first baseman for the Astros. However, it’s important to give him a few months before making any definitive judgments.
The MLB season is a long one, and Houston will experience its fair share of highs and lows. The team is still likely to win between 86 and 91 games, so fans should be prepared for the ride and enjoy the journey.
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