Houston Astros: The Potential to Have Four (Or More) All-Stars

Would It Be Possible for the Houston Astros to Have Four or More All-Stars?

This year, the Astros have the opportunity to accomplish something they have not done since the 2005 World Series team: having four (or more) players make the All-Star team. In the best season in Astros history, the team’s All-Stars included Roger Clemens, Morgan Ensberg, Brad Lidge, and Roy Oswalt. With all the young talent possessed by this year’s team, matching this achievement is a feasible goal.

While Dallas Keuchel and Jose Altuve, last year’s All-Stars, have a good chance to replicate their success, Carlos Correa and George Springer certainly have the talent to be playing San Diego come July. Though he has not been playing at an All-Star level offensively since 2013, Jason Castro still has an opportunity to replicate his former success.

Coming out of the bullpen, though, is where the Astros have some All-Star candidates. Will Harris had a sub-1.00 ERA for much of the year and was arguably snubbed last year in San Diego. Similar numbers or even a little worse, he should be an All-Star. The newest addition to the bullpen Ken Giles also has All-Star quality numbers. In Brad Lidge’s 2005 season, he went 4-4 with a 2.29 ERA. In comparison, Giles went 6-3 with a 1.80 ERA.

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If Giles gets the closer job and has similar stats to last year, there is no reason he shouldn’t make the All-Star team. Last but not least, Pat Neshek is a bullpen pitcher who has the potential to be an All-Star. With a 1.87 ERA in 2014, Neshek made the squad. Though he had a solid year last season, his numbers would have to improve for him to have a chance to make the All-Star team this year.

The Astros are loaded with talent, and will be for many years. The potential for Astros All-Stars will go up with every passing year. Another thing that will help the odds is the performance of the team as a whole. One thing consistent with teams with multiple All-Stars is winning. Successful teams get more recognition and the Houston Astros definitely have the ability to win.

Next: What if Jason Castro Hit Like He Did in 2013?

Should the Astros accomplish this feat, it would be a sign that they are well on their way to reaching the World Series in 2016. If not 2016, Sports Illustrated did say they would win in 2017 right?

**All statistics found via Baseball Reference and Astros.com**