The Houston Astros clinched the American League West title on Tuesday night with a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners in Houston. This achievement marks yet another triumph for the Astros, who have now captured the division title seven times in the past eight years—a remarkable record of dominance in one of baseball's most competitive divisions.
The lone exception to the Astros' reign atop the AL West came during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Apart from that, the last time they finished lower in a full-length season was back in 2015. During this impressive run, the Astros have crossed the 100-win threshold four times, underscoring their consistency at the highest levels of the sport. Notably, they will not reach the 100-win mark this season and may even fall short of last year's total of 90 wins. Regardless, their performance has secured them the third seed in the American League playoffs, setting up a clash with the sixth seed, the final wild-card spot.
The road to this division title was far from smooth. The Astros began their 2024 campaign with a dismal 12-24 record. By June 18, their record stood at 33-40, leaving them 10 games behind in the division. Yet, displaying the resilience and grit that have become their trademarks, they turned their season around from that point onward. The team posted a 53-32 record over the remainder of the season, overcoming a double-digit deficit to reclaim the AL West crown.
Injuries played a significant role in shaping the Astros' season. Key starting pitchers Cristian Javier, José Urquidy, and J.P. France were lost for the season. Additionally, Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis García have not pitched in the majors this year, and Justin Verlander has managed only 16 starts. Offensively, Kyle Tucker has also been limited, playing in just his 75th game on Monday. Despite these setbacks, the Astros' depth and mid-season acquisitions, including the addition of Yusei Kikuchi at the trade deadline, have helped them navigate a challenging schedule.
This year's AL West title is particularly satisfying, given the obstacles and difficulties the team has encountered. From dealing with injuries to overcoming a sizable division deficit, the Astros have exemplified perseverance. The streak of not falling short of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) since 2015 remains intact, a testament to the franchise's sustained excellence. This period includes four pennants and two World Series victories, highlighting the Astros' status as one of baseball's modern dynasties.
As the postseason looms, the Astros can draw on their vast playoff experience and deep roster to make another formidable run. Their ability to perform under pressure bodes well for the upcoming challenges. Whether they can add another pennant or a World Series title to their storied history remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: The Houston Astros, despite everything, are once again AL West champions.