For the better part of the last decade, the Houston Astros were the gold standard in the American League. They didn’t just win - they dominated.
Multiple World Series appearances, a pair of titles, and a core that looked built to last. But in baseball, dynasties don’t last forever, and Houston is starting to feel the weight of that truth.
The latest blow? Framber Valdez, one of the last remaining stars from their championship-caliber rotation, is now a Detroit Tiger.
His departure isn’t shocking - the writing had been on the wall - but it still stings. Valdez joins a growing list of former Astros who’ve moved on, many of whom are still making noise across the league.
And if you’re an Astros fan looking for a fresh reminder of what’s no longer yours, look no further than MLB Network’s latest right field rankings.
Tucker and Springer Crack MLB’s Top 10 Right Fielders
MLB Network’s annual “Top 10 Right Now” series, powered by their in-house algorithm known as The Shredder, just dropped its list of the top right fielders in the game. Two names should sound awfully familiar in Houston: Kyle Tucker and George Springer.
Let’s start with Tucker. His inclusion is no surprise.
He’s been one of the most consistent offensive forces in baseball over the last few seasons, and his free agency this offseason was one of the most closely watched in years. MLBTradeRumors projected him for a monster 11-year, $400 million deal.
While he didn’t quite hit that number, his four-year, $240 million pact with the Dodgers - a jaw-dropping $60 million per year - speaks volumes about how L.A. views his value. That kind of AAV is reserved for the elite of the elite.
And Tucker, with his blend of power, plate discipline, and defensive chops, fits the bill.
Then there’s Springer. His name on the list might raise more eyebrows - not because he doesn’t have the pedigree, but because many thought his best days were behind him.
After a down 2024 season where he posted a 91 OPS+, he roared back in 2025 with a 161 OPS+, the best single-season mark of his career. That kind of turnaround at age 35 is rare, and it’s a big reason why he’s earned his spot among the game’s best right fielders once again.
Heading into his age-36 season, expectations are understandably tempered, but the Blue Jays still see him as a key piece. ZiPS projections have him pegged for a 115 OPS+, and if his bat speed holds up, he could easily outperform that.
How Did Houston Let Them Go?
The tough part for Houston is that neither Tucker nor Springer necessarily wanted to leave. Springer hit free agency after the 2020 season - right as Tucker was starting to blossom - and the six-year, $150 million offer from Toronto was too good to pass up.
Tucker’s exit was more transactional. With one year left before free agency, the Astros flipped him in a trade to address their third base hole left by Alex Bregman and to restock a farm system that had been drained by years of win-now moves.
That’s the reality of building a winning team in today’s MLB. You can’t keep everyone.
But for Houston, the cost of sustained success is starting to show. They’ve lost stars, seen their depth thinned out, and now, as they enter spring training, they’re facing a wave of uncertainty unlike anything they’ve dealt with in years.
What’s Next for the Astros?
For the first time in a long while, it feels like Houston is entering a season without a clear identity. The roster still has talent, but the days of penciling them in as World Series favorites are gone - at least for now. There’s always the chance the front office pulls off something unexpected, but the margin for error is slimmer than it’s been in years.
Losing Valdez, Tucker, and Springer in successive waves is more than just a talent drain - it’s the unraveling of a championship core. And while both Tucker and Springer continue to thrive elsewhere, Houston is left trying to figure out what comes next.
The Astros had their run - and what a run it was. But baseball moves fast. And right now, it feels like the rest of the league is starting to catch up.