SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 11: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning in game one of the American League Championship Series at PETCO Park on October 11, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Houston Astros season officially begins on Sunday against the Miami Marlins.
While the results don’t officially count against their regular season record, of course, winning baseball teams are built in spring training. The Astros know this better than most. Just four years removed from a World Series victory, Houston is still considered one of the contenders in the American League.
Though, this Astros team looks a little different. Most notable is the absence of George Springer, who signed with the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason on a monster contract. The Astros opted not to pay that hefty asking price, and instead bank on their young contributors to make up for that productions as a whole.
The Astros first lineup of spring training features some regulars
The most notable absences are Michael Brantley and Alex Bregman, though Jose Altuve is taking some early reps this spring in hopes of redeeming himself for a sketchy 2020 campaign.
The Astros are still recovering from the sign-stealing scandal, and the immediate aftermath and scar on their reputation as players and an organization. With fans in the stands this season, Houston will surely hear it from the opposition as they tour the major leagues.
As Carlos Correa preached last postseason, playing the villain isn’t all bad. Houston’s redemption tour starts on Sunday.