Astros unite through adversity heading into postseason

HOUSTON – The Astros arrived back home after celebrating their eighth AL West title since 2017. The visiting locker room in Sacramento featured a speech by Joe Espada, cheers and champagne covering every inch of the small clubhouse. 

That celebration seemed ancient as the Astros took batting practice and worked out Monday afternoon at Daikin Park. The Astros hitters mingled. Three-time All Star Carlos Correa, who is out with an injury, watched intently and provided feedback to a few of his teammates.

The Astros haven’t won a postseason game in the past two years. They were swept by the Tigers in Houston in 2024, and missed the playoffs entirely in 2025.

The Astros believe this year is different. Despite their struggles, their culture from early years of the Astros’ dynasty hasn’t diminished. Through adversity, the Astros feel closer together. 

“We’re going to stay united as a team,” Isaac Paredes said. “I think the playoffs are about being united. We’re just going to go out there and make the adjustment that we need to do to be able to go out there and win a game.”

No stranger to adversity

Throughout the 2026 season the Astros faced many difficulties, from a slow start early to losing key contributors early on. Houston overcame being 11 games under .500 and six games back in the AL West on May 20th. 

In addition, Josh Hader, Hunter Brown and Jeremy Peña missed a hefty amount of games. Nonetheless, the Astros won the AL West title in game 162. 

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This isn’t new for Astros manager Joe Espada and company. Adversity has been a common sight during his tenure as manager. However the seasoned veteran and his long-time relationship with the Astros organization makes it easier to rally the club together.

 “I’ve been here for almost a decade and (seen) just how this team just rallies around adversity, they don’t run from it,” Espada said. They actually run to it. They know that it’s going to happen. And watching them choose not to fold – they choose to fight, they choose to help one another – is very satisfying. It brings joy to see these guys just — you see their best version when things get tougher.

“As a manager, that’s what you want. As a leader of a group, I want to make sure that I’m doing everything possible to put these guys in a position to succeed, but especially when things are not going well, that’s when you really see the true character of your team.

October baseball

As the Astros prepares for their best-of-three game wild-card series against the streaking White Sox, they understand how important preparation is. Houston made history by becoming the first team in MLB to make the playoffs without a winning record. However, the determined Astros know that anything goes.

In spite of their record, The Astros aren’t fazed by their regular-season woes. The experienced Astros are aware that anything goes in October. Houston is no stranger postseason magic. 

“I’d say everyone starts from zero,” 2022 World Series MVP Jeremy Pena said. “Everyone starts from zero. Everyone is going to give their best. We’re going to give our best. You’re going to put your best players out there. We’re going to put our best players out there. Like I said, let the best man win.

“The records in the regular season, they don’t matter now. Everyone’s starting from scratch, and it’s a short tournament. So see what happens.”