WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —The Astros’ blueprint for returning to October begins with three familiar names.
Jeremy Peña will hit leadoff. Jose Altuve is back at second base. Yordan Alvarez will chase Jeff Bagwell’s franchise home run record.
Manager Joe Espada confirmed those plans as Houston opened Grapefruit League play, outlining the foundation for a roster that missed the postseason for the first time since 2016. The core remains intact. The expectations remain high.
Peña Stays at the Top
Peña’s return to leadoff was never in doubt. After moving into the role last April, he hit .317/.372/.501 in 96 starts atop the order. Among hitters with at least 200 plate appearances batting leadoff, only Shohei Ohtani, Geraldo Perdomo, Corbin Carroll, and Byron Buxton posted a higher wRC+.
The power-speed combination—17 home runs and 20 stolen bases—gave Houston rare production from the top spot. Peña also led the club in OPS with runners in scoring position, though he logged just 125 games overall.
When asked Sunday whether Peña would lead off again, Espada offered a one-word answer: “Yes.”
Peña made his spring debut against the Cardinals Sunday before departing camp to join the Dominican Republic for the World Baseball Classic. His All-Star breakout in 2025 solidified his role. Now the Astros need durability to match the production.
Altuve Returns to Second
Altuve will resume second base duties full-time after Houston experimented with him in left field last season. The shift was born of necessity: The Astros needed outfield coverage and Altuve volunteered.
“Playing at second, in left, at DH, whatever, we have a great team,” Altuve said on MLB Network Radio. “I told Joe and I told everybody that whatever they need me to do, I want to win.”
Espada indicated Altuve could still see occasional time in left, but second base is home again. Entering his 15th season, the 36-year-old remains productive and motivated.
“Everybody is working hard to stay on the field and to stay healthy; that’s our number one goal,” Altuve said. “If the whole team stays healthy, I think we have a good one and that we can make it to the playoffs again.”
Alvarez Eyes History
Bagwell’s 47 home runs in 2000 have stood as the franchise record for 26 years. Only one Astro has reached 40 since: Alex Bregman with 41 in 2019.
Alvarez has the raw power to change that.
Despite playing only six full seasons, Alvarez ranks eighth on Houston’s all-time home run list with 170. His career high is 37, set in 2022, but Bagwell believes the record is attainable with enough at-bats.
“I’d be so happy for him to do it,” Bagwell said. “The more he plays, the more he’s going to do special things.”
Health remains the variable. Alvarez appeared in just 48 games in 2025 due to a broken hand and an ankle injury. During a late-August return, he hit .369/.462/.569 with three home runs in 19 games, reminding everyone what Houston missed.
He will spend most of 2026 at DH to limit wear and tear, though Espada made clear the club will not manage him timidly.
“We’re not going to put him in a bubble where we’re all afraid of Yordan getting hurt,” Espada said. “He’s a great athlete. We’re going to be aggressive.”
When healthy, Alvarez alters the way opponents construct a game plan. As Espada put it, “He’s a threat and he’s not even in the batter’s box.”
If he stays on the field for 150-plus games, 47 is realistic. Lance Berkman reached 45 in 2006, falling just short. Alvarez has the talent to finish the job.
The Foundation
Peña, Altuve, and Alvarez represent three stages of the Astros’ competitive arc: ascension, sustained excellence, and prime dominance.
Houston’s margin for error is thin after last season’s disappointment. Peña must replicate his breakout over a full schedule. Altuve must continue defying age. Alvarez must remain available long enough to anchor the lineup.
If those three deliver, October returns to Houston, and Bagwell’s mark may finally fall.