Astros fall short in Wild Card series, ending 2024 season
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Second baseman Jose Altuve misses on a diving attempt in Game 2. Photo: Alex Slitz/Getty Images
The Astros were kicked out of World Series contention with Wednesday's Game 2 loss to the Detroit Tigers.
Why it matters: With the 5-2 loss comes the end of Houston's 2024 season and hopes of an eight straight appearance in the American League Championship Series.
Catch up quick: The Astros won the American League West with an 88-73 record and entered the postseason as the AL's No. 3 seed pitted against the No. 6 Tigers in the three-game American League Wild Card series.
- Detroit, led by former Astros skipper A.J. Hinch, beat Houston 3-1 in the first game of the series on Tuesday at Minute Maid Park.
The big picture: "It was a very challenging season," Astros manager Joe Espada said after Wednesday's loss. "We should be proud of what we accomplished and how we did it. The process is important."
Yes, but: The Astros still have plenty to brag about this season.
- Houston won seven of 13 games against the Texas Rangers to win the coveted but inconsequential Silver Boot Series for the seventh time in eight years.
- The Astros were at one point 10 games behind the Seattle Mariners in the division but clawed their way back to the top by the regular season's end.
- And in the preseason, second baseman Jose Altuve signed a five-year, $125 million deal with the Astros, securing his legacy as an Astro for life.
š Jay's thought bubble: The only game I made it out to this season was Tuesday's Game 1 loss to the Tigers, when a late push by Houston wasn't enough to top Detroit's three-run second inning. But win or lose, the Astros are always one thing: fun to watch.
- I thought I had it good as a kid when Houston finally made it to the World Series on the backs of the Killer B's in 2005 before going cold for nearly a decade.
- But today's young Astros fans, some of whom skipped school to see Wednesday's afternoon game in downtown, have not just one season to remember but a years-long dynasty of lasting memories.
Looking ahead: Only seven players on the Astros' roster are guaranteed to return in 2025, including second baseman Jose Altuve, outfielder Yordan Ćlvarez, and pitchers Ryan Pressly and Josh Hader.
- Among notable free agents this offseason are third baseman Alex Bregman, outfielder Kyle Tucker and pitcher Framber Valdez.
What's next: More Houston baseball is less than five months away.
- A split Astros squad faces the Washington Nationals and New York Mets on Feb. 22 in the first spring training matchups of the 2025 season.