Astros eliminated from playoff contention, will miss postseason for first time since 2016 – Yahoo Sports

Key Takeaways:

• The Astros will miss the postseason for the first time since 2016.
• The American League East remains highly competitive, with key players pushing for MVP honors.
• Multiple sources question what caused the Astros’ abrupt exit.
• Experts suggest newsworthy offseason moves for Houston.
• Observers look ahead to the 2025 campaign with heightened interest in potential changes.

The End of an Era

The Houston Astros have officially been eliminated from playoff contention, signaling their first absence from postseason play since 2016. This shift comes after years of contending for titles and generating high expectations for both players and fans.

A Tight AL Playoff Race

Across the league, the postseason puzzle is taking shape, with the American League East producing a tight race “as battle for AL East goes down to wire,” according to coverage. Fans are equally drawn to individual storylines, including how Judge “continues MVP push.” These elements contributed to Houston’s inability to secure a spot in the crowded playoff picture.

Searching for Answers

In the wake of the elimination, various reports and analysts have posed the question: “What went wrong for the now-eliminated Astros?” Multiple sources, including CBS Sports and The New York Times, examine possible factors such as late-season struggles and fierce divisional competition, all culminating in the first missed postseason for Houston since 2016.

Looking Ahead to 2025

While the season ended in disappointment, there is already talk of how the Astros might rebound. Yahoo Sports offers a “2025 offseason preview,” exploring the team’s upcoming decisions after having “their playoff streak snapped.” For a franchise unaccustomed to early exits, the focus now turns to recruiting, strategy, and restoring their place in the postseason chase next year.