
The Houston Astros failed to reach the MLB playoffs in 2025, finishing second in the AL West with a 31–35 record after the All-Star break. Their streak of eight consecutive postseason appearances came to an end. Still, Houston is aiming for a resurgent 2026 campaign, hoping for better luck on the health front.
The team’s best hitter, Yordan Alvarez, appeared in just 48 games dealing with injury. The 28-year-old left-handed slugger immediately transforms the lineup, and without him, it lacked depth and power.
Alvarez missed four months with a fractured right hand, suffering multiple setbacks during rehab, and then sprained his left ankle just weeks after returning. Despite the limited action, he remained highly productive, posting a .273 batting average, .367 on-base percentage, .797 OPS, six home runs and 27 RBIs.
As Alvarez enters the offseason following a frustrating, injury-riddled year, the Astros provided an encouraging update on his recovery.
General manager Dana Brown told reporters on Wednesday that Alvarez is “jogging at 65 to 70 percent, but is expected to be ready for spring training,” according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic.
Some injury updates from Dana Brown here in Vegas
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) November 12, 2025
- Josh Hader has thrown off the mound three times and is progressing well
- Yordan Alvarez is jogging at 65-70 percent, but is expected to be ready for spring training
- Jeremy Peña and Jose Altuve are totally fine
That is a positive development for Houston, whose 2025 season largely unraveled without their most dangerous bat in the lineup.
Had Alvarez been healthy, the second-half collapse might have played out differently. His presence immediately changes the offense, and without him, the lineup lacked its usual punch.
His track record speaks for itself. Alvarez burst onto the scene in 2019, winning AL Rookie of the Year after dominating big-league pitching from the jump.
Since then, Alvarez has earned three All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger Award and consistent AL MVP votes despite offering little value on the basepaths or defensively. He has also delivered in October, playing a pivotal role in Houston’s 2022 World Series title run. If Alvarez is fully healthy in 2026, the Astros’ lineup will look very different and far more dangerous.
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