The 2023 Houston Astros season was the 62nd season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise located in Houston, Texas, their 59th as the Astros, 11th in both the American League (AL) and AL West division, and 24th at Minute Maid Park. They entered the season as defending World Series champions, their second title, as well both the two-time defending AL and AL West champions. Further, they had qualified as entrants into six consecutive American League Championship Series (ALCS), a continuation of the longest streak in franchise history.
On April 3, 2023, Yordan Alvarez hit his 100th career home run in his 372nd game, setting the record for fewest in franchise history, and the fifth fastest in major league history. Jose Altuve reached a number of career milestones, including 1,000 runs scored (June 13, 2023), 35 four-hit games (June 17), 200 home runs (August 5), and 2,000 hits (August 19). Closer Ryan Pressly became the fourth pitcher to convert 100 saves as a member of the Astros on July 25. The Astros reacquired Kendall Graveman and Justin Verlander at the trade deadline, mirroring moves they have made for both players in previous postseason runs. On the day of the trade for Verlander—August 1—Framber Valdez no-hit the Cleveland Guardians to become the first left-handed pitcher in franchise history to deliver such a feat. Valdez's no-hitter was the 16th no-hitter in franchise history.
The Astros passed 3 million fans in attendance for the fifth time in franchise history; however, they were defeated in 17 of their final 23 home games ( winning percentage) to produce their first losing season at home () since , when they went overall. The club drew an average home attendance of 37,683 over 81 contests, ranking seventh-highest in the league.
On September 30, the Astros clinched a playoff berth for the seventh consecutive year and the eighth time in nine seasons with a 1–0 shutout win against the Arizona Diamondbacks; they became the fourth team in MLB history to reach the postseason in seven consecutive seasons, a continuation of the most successful era in franchise history.
On October 1, the Astros clinched the AL West title for the third consecutive year and the sixth time in the last seven seasons with an 8–1 win against Arizona, and the second seed in AL postseason play. They beat the Minnesota Twins in four games in the ALDS to reach the ALCS for the seventh consecutive season, a continued American League record in LCS appearance streak. The Astros failed to defend their title as they lost to the eventual World Series champion Texas Rangers in seven games, their first Lone Star Series rivalry matchup in the postseason.
Alvarez, Kyle Tucker, and Valdez were each named to the MLB All-Star Game as reserve players, while Dusty Baker was manager for the American League. In the MLB draft, Houston selected Brice Matthews, a shortstop from the University of Nebraska, at #28 overall in the first round for their top pick. Tucker led the AL in runs batted in (RBI, 112), was named Astros' team Most Valuable Player (MVP) and won his first career Silver Slugger Award, while Mauricio Dubón earned the first Gold Glove Award of his career. Valdez was named the Astros' Pitcher of the Year, while catcher Yainer Díaz was team Rookie of the Year.
Offseason November–December 2022
The Houston Astros finished the 2022 season as World Series champions, their second title overall, and first since 2017. Their 106 regular-season wins represented the second-highest total in franchise history, to the 2019 club, and the fifth 100-win season in team history. They clinched their fifth AL West division title, and 13th overall, and fifth league pennant, including four AL pennants. Further, their entrance into the 2022 American League Championship Series (ALCS) was their sixth consecutive, representing the longest streak for an AL club. It trailed only the Atlanta Braves, who played eight consecutive National League Championship Series (1991–1999) for most consecutive League Championship Series (LCS) played.
On November 8, 2022, it was announced that manager Dusty Baker would be back for the 2023 season as Astros manager.
On November 11, 2022, it was announced that general manager (GM) James Click would not be returning to the Astros for the 2023 season. The following day, assistant GM Scott Powers was fired. Click had hired Powers from the Los Angeles Dodgers' front office in January 2022. Charles Cook and Bill Firkus were both promoted to assistant GM following the World Series. While the club operated without an officially-titled GM, club owner Jim Crane became active in the role, including directly negotiating with free agents. Cook, Firkus, and co-assistant GM Andrew Ball each assumed increased responsibilities.
The Astros signed hitting coach Alex Cintrón to an extension to run through the 2025 season on November 21, 2022. Having interviewed for the Toronto Blue Jays' bench coach position, the Astros re-signed him before the Blue Jays finalized their decision.
On November 28, 2022, the Astros signed 1st baseman José Abreu to a three-year, $58.5 million contract.
Catcher Jason Castro announced his retirement from playing on December 2, 2022. The Astros' first-round selection and number 10 overall in the 2008 MLB draft from Stanford University, Castro spent nine of 12 major league seasons in Houston, earning an All-Star selection in 2013 while starring on teams that lost 107, 111, and 92 games during the club's period of rebuilding. Although injury in 2022 precluded him from playing in the Astros' championship run, he earned his first World Series ring. Upon retirement, Castro ranked as the Astros' career leader among catchers in home runs (71), and his 717 games at the position ranked third behind Alan Ashby and Brad Ausmus.
On December 21, 2022, the Astros re-signed outfielder Michael Brantley to a 1-year, $12 million contract
January–February 2023 Former broadcaster Bill Brown and infielder Bill Doran were announced on January 21, 2023, as inductees to the Houston Astros Hall of Fame with an induction ceremony prior to a contest on August 12 versus on the Los Angeles Angels. The announcement came during the annual Astros FanFest, held at Minute Maid Park. It was the first Astros FanFest since 2020, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to cancellation of the following two annual events.
On January 26, 2023, the Astros named Dana Brown as their next general manager, hiring him from the position as the Atlanta Braves' vice president of scouting.
On February 10, 2023, the Astros announced that they extended pitcher Cristian Javier for 5 years & $64 million.
Transactions
Free agents Major League free agentsFollowing 2022 World Series (LF) Astros electing free agency November 6, 2022 Contracts expired after World Series Re-signed with Houston Astros 1 year, $12 million December 21, 2022 (C) Retired Announced retirement December 2, 2022 (UT) Signed with Oakland Athletics 2 years, $14.5 million December 13, 2022 (1B) Signed with Miami Marlins Minor league contract (RHP) Re-signed with Houston Astros 3 years, $34.5 million November 12, 2022 (C) Signed with Minnesota Twins 3 years, $30 million December 16, 2022Player option held (SP) Astros becoming free agents following options decisions November 10, 2022 Player declined option for 2023 Signed with New York Mets 2 years, $86.66 million December 7, 2022 Vesting option for 2025Club options held (1B/LF) Astros becoming free agents following options decisions November 9, 2022 Team declined options for 2023 Signed with Chicago Cubs 2 years, $14 million January 20, 2023 (LHP) Signed with Texas Rangers 1 year, $1.5 million March 4, 2023Incoming free agents (1B) Departed Chicago White Sox November 6, 2022 Contract expired Signed with Houston Astros November 28, 2022 3 years, $58.5 millionNon-tendered (RHP) Arbitration-eligible group November 18, 2022 Non-tendered by team Current free agent Minor league free agents (LHP) Departed Minnesota Twins Signed November 16, 2022 (SS) Departed San Francisco Giants Signed November 22, 2022 (RHP) Departed Los Angeles Angels Signed January 31, 2023 (RHP) Departed Detroit Tigers Signed February 7, 2023 (1B) Departed Milwaukee Brewers Signed June 24, 2023
Arbitration-phase players Arbitration-eligible players Player Pos. Hearing Salary RHP No $2,550,000 3 2024 $3,600,000 LHP $6,800,000 2 2026 RHP February 10, 2023 $64,000,000 1 2028 $3,025,000 2026 LHP $830,000 RF Yes February 9, 2023 $5,000,000 † UT No $1,400,000 2027 RHP Non-tendered Declared free agent 2023 †—Super Two player (description:) Also:
+ Trades July 28, 2023 To Houston AstrosKendall Graveman (RHP) To Chicago White SoxKorey Lee (C)
40-man roster Added — ahead of deadline for eligibility for protection from Rule 5 draft: Pitcher J. P. France (right-hander) Claimed off waivers: Infielder Rylan Bannon Acquired in trade: Outfielder/1st Baseman Bligh Madris Claimed off waivers: Pitcher Matt Gage
Injury report Injury report Player Injury type Notes Pos. Shoulder labrum tear (right) Pit. Arm muscle strain (right) Pit. Lumbar muscle spasms Pos. Thumb fracture (left) Pit. Shoulder inflammation (right) August 6, 2023 Pit. UCL reconstruction (right) Pit. Elbow strain (right) Pit. Latissimus dorsi strain Pos. Oblique muscle (right) Missed 39 games Pos. Oblique injury Missed 16 games Pit. Elbow injury (right) 15-day injured list Pos. Lower back discomfort 10-day injured list
Spring training The Astros played their first Spring Training game on February 25, 2022, versus the New York Mets, and ended preseason activities on March 28 versus the Triple-A affiliate Sugar Land Space Cowboys. On March 8, the Astros hosted Team Venezuela, a participant in the World Baseball Classic.
The club finished third overall in Grapefruit League play with a 14–10 record. They scored 140 runs while allowing 97; their +43 run differential led all MLB teams in spring training.
For their final Opening Day roster spots, the Astros selected reliever Ronel Blanco, catcher Yainer Díaz, outfielder Corey Julks, reliever Seth Martinez, and catcher César Salazar. Julks and Salazar were selected to an MLB roster for the first time in their careers, positioning them for their major league debuts. Díaz and Martinez made the MLB Opening Day roster for the first time in their careers.
Player Position 2022 organization 91 • Ross Adolph OF Houston Astros 78 • C Houston Astros 51 • RHP Los Angeles Angels 76 • Devin Conn RHP Houston Astros 83 • Marty Costes OF Houston Astros 39 • LHP Minnesota Twins 84 • OF Houston Astros 86 • RHP Houston Astros 35 • RHP Detroit Tigers 74 • Austin Hansen RHP ↑ 87 • OF Houston Astros 81 • INF Houston Astros 28 • INF San Francisco Giants — • Jaime Melendez RHP Houston Astros 72 • RHP Houston Astros 71 • Joe Record RHP Houston Astros 70 • Matt Ruppenthal RHP Houston Astros 89 • C Houston Astros 80 • C Houston Astros ↑—Did not play. Reference:
World Baseball Classic The following Astros represented their respective countries at the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC):
+ Houston Astros in the 2023 WBC Role National team Achievements 9.00 ERA, 2 IP, 4 H, 2 SO 1–0 W–L, 4 IP, 0.00 ERA 2 G, 0.00 ERA, 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R 3 G, 0.00 ERA, IP, 0 H, 4 SO 1-for-6 (.167/.375/.333) 1–0 W–L, 4.26 ERA, IP Caught unofficial perfect game vs Israel 3 G, 3 IP, 0.00 ERA, 2 SV 5-for-15 (.333/.353/.733), 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR Won Pool D (4–0) 3-for-14 (.214/.450/.286), 4 runs, 5 BB, 5 SO 7 IP, 2.57 ERA, 10 SO 1st assignment as Team Venezuela's manager