The Houston Astros are struggling to adjust to new manager Joe Espada. Houston is aiming for their 8th consecutive playoff season and ninth in the last ten years. Houston has hovered and struggled around the .500 mark in 2024. But they are s within striking distance of the American League West Division-leading Seattle Mariners. Houston has adequate baseball betting odds metrics. Correlate that is good enough for an American League wild card team. But they have been too inconsistent. Gamblers are not pleased by Houston’s deep red ink. Still, it has been quite profitable on the run line.
2024 Houston Astros
| Houston Astros World Series Championship Odds | +1100 |
|---|---|
| Astros AL Pennant Odds | +550 |
| AL West Division Odds | -120 |
| Win Total: | 87.5 |
2024 Houston Astros All-Star Break Overview
At the beginning of the All-Star break, the Houston Astros had a record of 46-44 and were 2nd in the American League West Division. Offensively, Houston ranked 10th for runs scored, 1st for batting average, 6th for OPS, 9th for home runs, and 16th for stolen bases. While defensively, Houston ranked 18th for earned run average, 2nd for WHIP, 3rd for strikeouts, 10th for quality starts, 4th for fewest errors, and 14th for bullpen ERA. Houston was -744 on the moneyline and +714 on the offshore betting run line.
Accordingly, many gamblers believe Houston could have plenty of upside in the second half of the season.
2024 Houston Astros Manager
Joe Espada replaces the retired Dusty Baker as manager. Previously, he was an Astros coach from 2018-2023.
2024 Houston Astros Key Players
RHP Justin Verlander is the number-one starter on the Houston rotation. Previously, Verlander was a three-time AL Cy Young Award winner, the 2011 AL MVP, and a nine-time AL All-Star. In 2023, Verlander was 13-8 with a 3.22 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. After starting the 2023 season with the Mets, Verlander returned to Houston to lead the MLB odds push to the ALCS. So far in 2024, Verlander is 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. He is currently on the 15-day injured list.
RHP Ryan Pressly is the Houston closer. He is a two-time AL All-Star. Last year, Pressly was 4-5 with a 3.58 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 31 saves in 37 opportunities. So far this season, Pressly has two saves and a 3.89 ERA. 3B Alex Bregman is a two-time AL All-Star and a 2019 AL Silver Slugger. In 2023, Bregman produced 103 runs, 28 doubles, 25 home runs, and 98 RBI while hitting .262 with a .804 OPS. So far, in 2024, Bregman has ten home runs and 41 RBI.
Late on, Houston has two World Series championships and four pennants since 2017. And eight playoff appearances in the last nine years. Hence, the Houston Astros are baseball’s most successful franchise. Gamblers remain significant buyers on the future market when it comes to the prospects of the Astros. Houston remains one of the most popular choices for those wagering on 2024 World Series champions. However, Houston had an uneventful offseason, which means they are back for more in 2024.
Last season, Houston did well to barely end up in the black on the moneyline since they are consistently among the highest-priced teams on the MLB board. Houston will remain a highly expensive team to wager on. Especially at home and against the worst teams. Taking a loss on the Astros will be costly. Houston will offer its best value on the road against quality teams.