Since joining the AL West in 2013, the Houston Astros have been a thorn in the Seattle Mariners' side. With nine playoff appearances, seven division titles, four World Series trips, and two championships, the Astros have been a powerhouse.
However, the Mariners have started to carve their own path, capturing their first AL West title since 2001 last season, while the Astros missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Is the Astros' dynasty truly fading?
That remains to be seen, as they still managed an 87-75 record last year, joining the Mariners as one of only four teams to win 85-plus games every season since 2021. Yet, both teams are struggling this spring, with the Mariners at the bottom of the Cactus League and the Astros enduring their own woes in Florida.
Injury Woes Haunt the Astros
The injury bug is biting the Astros again. Six-time All-Star Josh Hader will start the 2026 season on the injured list with biceps tendinitis, a carryover from last season when he missed the final two months with a shoulder issue.
Injuries were a major hurdle for the Astros last year, and the news about All-Star shortstop Jeremy Peña isn't helping. Peña, who had a stellar season and finished 10th in AL MVP voting, fractured his right ring finger in early March.
His status for Opening Day is uncertain, adding to the Astros' concerns.
On the field, the Astros' offense is sputtering, ranking third-worst in runs scored this spring. Key players like Jose Altuve (.107), Christian Walker (.115), and Yainer Diaz (.095) are struggling at the plate.
Opportunity for the Mariners
The Mariners, despite their own spring training challenges, have a chance to capitalize on their rival's struggles. While they rank last in preventing runs this spring, the struggles of the Astros' top hitters present a silver lining for Seattle fans.
It's premature to declare the Astros' decline, considering they nearly made the playoffs despite last season's injuries. Their rotation, despite being hampered, still managed to rank third in the majors with 70 quality starts. However, the departure of durable starter Framber Valdez to the Detroit Tigers adds uncertainty to their future.
The Mariners, with a more robust roster and a superior farm system, have outperformed the Astros head-to-head over the past three seasons. Now is the time for Seattle to press their advantage while the Astros are vulnerable but certainly not out of the fight.