The Houston Astros have faced a difficult 2025, with an injury list that included such standouts as Yordan Alvarez, Luis Garcia, Ronel Blanco and Lance McCullers Jr. Despite these losses, Puerto Rican manager Joe Espada has kept the team competitive, seeking an eighth divisional title in nine years.
The return of Mexican Isaac Paredes before this series against the Mariners has been a key reinforcement, providing offensive depth at a time when every at-bat counts.
Seattle, looking to make history
In contrast to the Astros, the Seattle Mariners are riding an 11-game winning streak in their last 12 games.
Powered by Dominican Julio Rodriguez and the power of Cal Raleigh, who is threatening to break Ken Griffey Jr.’s franchise record for home runs.
Seattle has not won the division since 2001 and has never reached a World Series.
However, the combination of their solid rotation – Luis Castillo, George Kirby, Logan Gilbert and Bryan Woo – and a more complete offense than in previous seasons, makes them a formidable opponent.
Decisive series in Houston
Joe Espada has kept the team competitive
QuéOnnda.com
The three-game series at Daikin Park (Houston) is shaping up to be the “mini-playoff” that will define the divisional champion:
Astros: Hunter Brown, Framber Valdez and Jason Alexander.
Mariners: Bryan Woo, George Kirby and Logan Gilbert.
The winner of the series will have the advantage in the playoff race.
The loser could fall to the last Wild Card spot in the American League, playing against the Cleveland Guardians and Texas Rangers.
Players to follow
In Houston (Astros)
José Altuve: the Venezuelan continues to be the offensive leader.
Carlos Correa: returned to the Astros in July and brings experience in crucial games.
Jeremy Peña: the Dominican has responded with the bat in September.
In Seattle (Mariners)
Julio Rodríguez: offensive reference and driving force of the team.
Cal Raleigh: near all-time home run record.
Andrés Muñoz: the Mexican closer guarantees safety in the late innings.
Stakes
For the Astros, winning this division reaffirms their recent dynasty in the American League.
For Seattle, it would be the first step toward establishing itself as a real power in the MLB.
“It’s basically playoff baseball,” said Carlos Correa, recalling the excitement of games with such weight in the season finale.
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