2024 Astros Struggling Early, Experts Debate Turnaround vs. Trade Deadline Fate

According to the sources mentioned in the article, the Houston Astros are currently struggling with a record of 12-23 and finding themselves at the bottom of their division. This is a significant departure from their past successes, including appearances in seven consecutive American League Championship Series (ALCS). However, some experts believe that this slump may be temporary and that the team will eventually turn things around.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented that it’s unusual to see the Astros in last place in the standings so early in the season, but he remains optimistic that they will improve. He noted that the team has a history of strong performances during multi-week stretches, and they are known for having talented players who have experience dealing with adversity.
David Stearns, the president of baseball operations for the Mets, shared similar sentiments. He believes that it takes around 45 games into a season to accurately assess a team’s potential, and the Astros still have 10 more games to prove themselves this year. Stearns noted that the team’s schedule over the next month includes games against teams like the Yankees, Tigers, A’s, and Brewers, providing ample opportunities for redemption.
Despite these reassurances, some analysts have begun to speculate that the Astros could potentially become sellers ahead of the July 30 trade deadline. General Manager Dana Brown, however, insists that he cannot imagine the team parting ways with any of its top performers. Brown believes that the team’s impressive track record indicates that they will eventually begin winning again.
The current state of the Astros has created a sense of tension and unease within the team, particularly after a demoralizing loss to the Yankees. Following a 10-3 defeat, the Astros fell to 0-5 against their intraleague rival in 2024 and are now competing for the worst record in the American League. Some members of the team, such as Justin Verlander, have expressed concerns about their recent performance and acknowledged the need for improvement.
Verlander, a former Cy Young Award winner, struggled during the game against the Yankees. He allowed three home runs during the contest, ending his streak of 19 consecutive regular-season starts of six or more innings. Verlander also registered just two strikeouts in the game, raising questions about his recent form.
As the Astros continue to struggle, they may face increased scrutiny from rival executives regarding potential trades. Some experts have already started speculating about the possibility of Verlander being traded, although Brown has dismissed these rumors.
Overall, it seems clear that the Astros are experiencing an unusually challenging start to the season. While some remain hopeful that they will eventually turn things around, others are beginning to suspect that they could potentially become sellers in the near future. The team’s recent performance has left many wondering what lies ahead for the Astros, and only time will tell whether they can recover from their current slump.