Four Thoughts on the Most Important Week in the Astros 2025 Season

The now second place Astros face the most pivotal week of the entire 2025 season this week with series against the Rangers and Mariners, both in Houston. Despite taking two of three in Atlanta, the Astros were overtaken by the Mariners, led by catcher Cal Raleigh, for first place in the AL West. The Rangers are just one game back.

This week could be the difference between the Astros winning the division or missing the playoffs entirely. Despite a162-game schedule, we are down to the final two weeks of the season to decide who will make the playoffs.

The offense must produce.

The Astros remain one of the worst offensive teams in the hunt for the playoffs. They are 23rd in runs scored, 17th in home runs, 22nd in OPS, and 19th in runners left in scoring position per game. It’s not good. Neither Seattle nor Texas are offensive juggernauts, but when the Astros score four or more runs, they are nearly unbeatable. Unfortunately, they don’t do that very often. If they want to win these two series and put themselves in the driver’s seat for the playoffs, they have to score.

Will starting pitching hold it down?

Framber Valdez had another rough outing on Sunday and the Astros remain a team absolutely worked over by injuries to their rotation. Yet, they have found a way through Cy Young hopeful Hunter Brown and A’s castoff Jason Alexander among others to keep their starting pitching not just surviving but succeeding against all odds. All three of these teams have gotten effective pitching from their starters but because of the injuries, it is more important to the Astros than anyone. It would help if Valdez managed to pull it together.

Is Isaac Paredes going to return?

When the Astros third baseman went down with a hamstring injury, it was assumed he would not be available until 2026. Miraculously, he might return this week. His patience at the plate and solid hitting skills should help bolster a struggling lineup. Where he fits in defensively is another question. Carlos Correa is clearly the better defender at third and, even with his offensive struggles, Christian Walker won’t be dislodged at first. Most likely, Paredes will play some designated hitter and ease his way back into the lineup. Let’s hope it helps.

Pushing through the injuries.

It’s been one of the most difficult years for the Astros when it comes to the training room. From Yordan Alvarez and Paredes to Spencer Arrighetti and Ronel Blanco, this has been a nightmare year for the Astros training staff. There will legitimately need to be a discussion about what happened, particularly with all the arm injuries to pitchers in the offseason. For now, the Astros hope to limp their way to the finish line.