Yordan Alvarez trade talk heats up as Astros sit in last place with a wave of devastating injuries

Just about a month into the MLB season, the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies have already fired their managers in Alex Cora and Rob Thompson, respectively. Good moves, or too premature?

The Houston Astros have been one of Major League Baseball’s most consistent franchises in the modern era. Over the last decade, the Astros have the second-most wins and second-highest winning percentage of any organization at 890-627. 

They’ve won two World Series titles, one in 2022 and the other in 2017. Though that 2017 championship is marred by one of the most egregious cheating scandals in baseball history. 

They’ve made the World Series four times since 2017, won the AL West seven out of eight years, and made the postseason eight years in a row. That streak ended in 2025, when a slew of injuries led to an 87-75 season. 2026 was supposed to be a return to form, led by ace Hunter Brown, new import Tatsuya Imai, closer Josh Hader, one of the best handful of hitters in baseball, Yordan Alvarez, and hope for a resurgent season back in Houston for Carlos Correa. 

Fast forward to mid-May, and the Astros are, well, bad. After yet another loss on Sunday, they’ve dropped to 16-25, sit tied for last place in the division, and have the second-worst run differential in the American League.

ASTROS' $54M PITCHER BLAMES ARM FATIGUE ON STRUGGLE TO ADJUST TO AMERICAN LIFESTYLE

 That’s just the start of their problems. 

Houston Astros' Carlos Correa reacts after striking out during the third inning against the Athletics in West Sacramento, California, on April 5, 2026. (Sara Nevis/AP Photo)

Brown has been on the injured list for most of the season with a shoulder strain. Josh Hader has yet to pitch this year after suffering left biceps