Even though 12 teams make the MLB postseason, most of them go hope unhappy. That is the case with three of these four teams.
The MLB postseason is down to two teams, but these four have been licking their wounds for a couple of weeks. Each of them made the playoffs but reached an unceremonious end.
Houston Astros (88-73)
We might be seeing the end of one of the greatest dynasties in MLB history. The Astros season started off slowly, falling to 12-24 in their first 36 games. This left baseball fans wondering if Houston would be selling for the first time in their dynasty run. Turns out it was a pretty short-lived fantasy, as the Astros showed they were the same team. In the middle of June, they went on a seven-game win streak which they never looked back from.
An emergence from SP Spencer Arrighetti and SP Ronel Blanco as well fantastic seasons from 2B Jose Altuve, OF Yordan Alvaraz, SP Framber Valdez and C Yainer Diaz propelled them to once again claim the AL West title for the fourth consecutive season. With star OF Kyle Tucker returning from injury, it seemed the Astros would be able to breeze through the Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card series, but that wouldn’t be the case. Houston was swept in the series and now turns their attention towards building a contender next year.
At the MLB trade deadline, the team made a massive shakeup. With all their starting pitcher injuries, they set their sights on SP Yusei Kikuchi. The Astros were able to acquire him from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for #9 prospect SP Jake Bloss, OF Joey Loperfido and #13 prospect 2B Will Wagner. At the time, it seemed like the overpay of the deadline and showed how desperate Houston was for starters. Turns out, the trade worked out amazingly for the ‘Stros. Kikuchi had a 2.70 ERA, allowing only 42 hits in 60 innings with 76 strikeouts. This gave him a 147 ERA+, making him 47% better than the league-average pitcher. But, the trade did see Houston part with great depth pieces who could have made an impact.
The Houston Astros have lots of holes to fill this offseason. The main focus for them is re-signing 3B Alex Bregman to keep their core together. Kikuchi and SP Justin Verlander are set to be free agents as well, but Houston expects SP J.P. France, SP Luis Garcia, SP Cristian Javier, SP Lance McCullers Jr. and SP Jose Urquidy to be back at some point next year. The biggest spot that needs an upgrade is first base, which has been a hole since signing 1B Jose Abreu in the 2022 offseason. The team ended up releasing Abreu early in the season, opting to play 1B Jon Singleton, who hit .234 with a .707 OPS. Another outfielder would be ideal for the team, as a reunion with OF Teoscar Hernandez could provide the offense with a spark.
Milwaukee Brewers (93-79)
The Milwaukee Brewers were just two outs away from advancing to the NLDS when a heartbreaking three-run homer crushed their chances of moving on. This was a disappointing end to a surprisingly successful season. The Brewers lost their longtime manager Craig Counsel in the offseason prior, opening the door for bench coach Pat Murphy to take over. He would lead them to a division title in the NL Central despite losing former MVP OF Christian Yelich to injury for most of the season. This season saw a contribution from many players on the roster, but none more exciting than the emergence of 20-year-old rookie OF Jackson Chourio. Amazing seasons from SS Willy Adames and C William Contreras helped steady the offense all year, and great pitching from the rotation and bullpen propelled them to 90+ wins.
The biggest question heading into the offseason for the Brew Crew is what happens with CP Devin Williams. He is entering the final year of his contract before free agency, coming off another disappointing postseason where he gave up the home run to lose the series. We have seen the Brewers trade star players before their contract expires in the last two seasons. The first was trading CP Josh Hader to the San Diego Padres at the deadline. The second came last offseason, when they traded SP Corbin Burnes to the Balitmore Orioles. Already, Brewers GM Matt Arnold made a comment about Williams, saying, “we have to stay open-minded. We’re the smallest market in the league, so that’s something that’s required in this.”
With a Williams trade on the table, Milwaukee has some important spots to fill on the roster if they want to be competitive again next year. The biggest is pending free agent Adames, who’s blossomed into one of the best MLB players at his position since the team acquired him. The Brewers haven’t given out a massive contract since Yelich signed an extension going into 2020. It is hard to predict where the team will improve. Realistically, a couple of bats and improvements in the rotation and bullpen seem obvious, but this is a team that finds ways to win while not spending a ton of money or signing big names. I’m sure we will see an offseason where they acquire a couple of lesser-name players to fill out the roster and they will somehow lead them to another successful season.
Kansas City Royals (86-76)
The Kansas City Royals were overmatched by the New York Yankees in the ALDS this MLB postseason, losing in four games. Seeing as this team lost 106 games last year, this season was a major step in the right direction for the club. MVP candidate SS Bobby Witt Jr. had one of the best seasons in MLB. SP Cole Ragans took a massive step forward and solidified himself as the ace of the club. Solid starting pitching depth and great bullpen acquisitions at the trade deadline were key to the team improving.
An unfortunate injury to 1B Vinnie Pasquantino near the end of the season exposed how weak their offense is without him and how important he is hitting behind Witt. The key is the production veteran C Salvador Perez can bring next year to the lineup. Salvy improved in every offensive category this year in his age-34 season, so another productive year would be massive for the lineup.
The Royals should be looking to add a big bat in the offseason. OF Anthony Santander is going to be a very popular name this winter, but the switch-hitting power bat would look great in this lineup. KC doesn’t usually spend money, but if they could sign SP Max Fried or even SP Jack Flaherty, the rotation would be one of the best. Their bullpen can use a few pieces as well, more specifically a lefty. I like RP A.J. Minter, who is a veteran lefty to pair with RP Kris Bubic, who emerged this year as a great arm in the bullpen.
Philadelphia Phillies (95-67)
Another disappointing playoff exit for the Philadelphia Phillies sees their veteran-led team get a year older, and still not able to bring a championship to Philadelphia. SP Zack Wheeler showed out both in the regular season and postseason, but unfortunately the bullpen imploded in the playoffs despite being steady during the season. The Phils offense was great yet again this year, led by the big three of DH Kyle Schwarber, SS Trea Turner and 1B Bryce Harper. 3B Alec Bohm took a big step forward offensively, driving in 97 runs while hitting .280. He did have quite the falloff in the second half, only drawing a .681 OPS and being benched later in the playoff series.
2B Bryson Stott struggled this year while OF Nick Castellanos and C J.T. Realmuto were just about league average, which are red flags going into next year. Their starting rotation was solid all year and looks good for 2025. The player they need to cut loose is SP Taijuan Walker, who clearly doesn’t have it anymore, and his large contract may be preventing bigger moves to be made.
On paper, the Phillies don’t have any holes. The biggest issue for the team is always the bullpen. Their big acquisition at the deadline was CP Carlos Estevez, who underperformed in the playoffs. Estevez is a free agent and will also be among the most coveted as this year’s MLB relief class is very weak. The Phils will make his services a priority, while also hopefully adding more pieces to the ‘pen and potentially a fifth starter to the rotation. Top prospect SP Andrew Painter has a great chance for the last rotation spot, but it still wouldn’t be surprising to see them bring in a reliable arm.
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