Houston Astros outfielder Zach Cole (16) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two run home run against the Los Angeles Angels. Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Astros' reign of terror finally reaches its end

By Seth Carlson | Last updated Sep 28, 2025 8:19 AM ET

After running roughshod through the American League for seven years, the Houston Astros' dominance has run its course in 2025.

Following the Cleveland Guardians' 3-2 walk-off defeat of the Texas Rangers at Progressive Field, the Astros' fate was sealed, ensuring they cannot make the postseason regardless of how the club fares this weekend in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels.

Before this season, Houston had made every playoffs since 2017, winning two World Series (2017 and 2022) and clinching four American League pennants (2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022).

Houston Astros eliminated from postseason contention for the first time since 2016

The Astros have been public enemy No. 1 for nearly every AL contender since their ascendance, especially in their tense October clashes with the New York Yankees, of which there have been several over the last decade. The Yankees were arguably robbed of an AL pennant in 2017 due to Houston's sign-stealing scandal and were defeated again in 2019 before reaching the World Series, for example.

But all of that is history now, as New York will once again ride into October, while Houston watches from home.

The Houston Astros have been eliminated from postseason contention. pic.twitter.com/rxriUvTf1q
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 28, 2025

Somehow, despite a slow burn over many years since the 2017 championship team disbanded, the Astros kept persevering without their manager, AJ Hinch, homegrown stars like outfielder George Springer, shortstop Carlos Correa and third baseman Alex Bregman departing in successive free agencies to continue winning. It's a miracle that Houston's run lasted as long as it did, frankly.

Even this season, the Astros occupied first place in the AL West as recently as September 10, which is remarkable considering they had received little production from star designated hitter Yordan Alvarez due to injury, as well as a struggling Jose Altuve. However, a September 19-21 sweep at the hands of the Seattle Mariners in Houston more than likely wrapped up any talk of an AL West race from that point.

As we gear up for the 2025 MLB playoffs, the first one that won't feature the Astros since 2016, the American League side of the bracket will be missing its most polarizing club.

Not that any of the other teams will mind, of course.

Seth Carlson

Seth Carlson is an experienced writer and editor based in the NYC area with a particular love for all things baseball. He has a demonstrated history of delivering insightful analysis and engaging content across multiple outlets and industries. Seth brings his expertise and commitment to high-quality coverage to Yardbarker’s readers.

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