The Houston Astros' pursuit of a third World Series title won't be any easier this season. Losing in the ALCS last year was a disappointment given that anything short of a championship is viewed as a wasted season for this Astros dynasty.
To get back where they need to be, it will take more than just Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, and Yordan Alvarez.
Players like Jake Meyers, Chas McCormick, and Mauricio Dubon must execute their roles at a high level to bring another ring back to Houston.
Meyers had an opportunity last season to prove that he should play every game. While the struggles were there at times, the 27-year-old can certainly get better and help this team.
He spoke with Chandler Rome of The Athletic about the mental side of the game and how he's found himself caught up in the results.
"I think in the last few years, I've gotten too caught up in the results and it's caused me to be an emotional roller coaster. That's really the problem with all of it, just riding the roller coaster. You have to be even-keeled and you have to focus on the process."
It's tough to not be results-oriented when a player is in a position similar to Meyers. It was his first real season to show he should be an everyday player in the bigs and he underperformed.
However, Meyers seems to be in a better head space and understands that the process is more important than the result. If he hits a ball at 100 miles per hour with an xBA (expected batting average) of .730, he can't get frustrated if it turns into an out.
If he can take the next step of his career this season, the Astros will be even better than they already are.
A scary thought for the rest of baseball, but a fun one for Houston and this fan base.
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