The Houston Astros are one of the best teams in the American League, with a 75-52 record.
They have scored the most runs in MLB this season, with 683.
The Astros offense has almost 700 runs scored this season, leading the majors. https://t.co/h45VXspa7b
— Matt Weaver (@matteweaver) August 26, 2021
They lead the majors in runs per game, with 5.4; and also in hits per game, with 9.2.
Additionally, they pace MLB in batting average (.268), OBP (.340), and OPS (.782).
It’s safe to say that they have the best and deepest collection of bats in MLB, capable of terrorizing any pitcher.
The most amazing thing is that they have been able to do all that damage while playing without Alex Bregman, their third baseman and one of their best offensive players, for several weeks.
Quad And Hamstring Injuries Derailed His Season
Even when healthy, Bregman hasn’t been his usual stellar self, and has batted .278 with seven homers and a .792 OPS.
He usually ranges between .800 and .900 OPS, so we all know he is capable of better numbers.
The problem is he missed more than two months with a severe left quad strain while running the bases.
He originally suffered the injury on June 16, and just when he was nearing a return, he went down with a hamstring issue that delayed his comeback.
Finally, he returned on August 25 and went 2-for-5 with a double, a run, and an RBI.
Breggy's back.#ForTheH pic.twitter.com/i2WcfqwF0w
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 25, 2021
Houston’s offense is good enough to get by without him: after all, they have Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker, Michael Brantley, Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Yuli Gurriel and others.
However, the unit is a lot better with a healthy and effective Bregman, a hitter capable of doing it all with the bat.
He can hit for average, get a walk, and put some power as well, as evidenced by the 72 home runs he hit between 2018 and 2019.
His .282/.379/.512 career line and .891 OPS is the perfect example of how dangerous Bregman is as a hitter.
At his best, Bregman is a 30-homer, 45-double, .390-OBP bat capable of anchoring any lineup.
He is one of the toughest outs in the league, and there is no doubt about that.
Bregman Vastly Improves The Astros Lineup
He makes the Astros’ already elite offense much, much better for the rest of the season and, potentially, the playoffs.
After suffering several setbacks with his hamstring and quad, he finally looks ready to contribute.
The Astros want him to use the remainder of the regular season to regain his rhythm and timing with an eye on the postseason.
The Astros may have their best offense since 2017, when they won the World Series.
A healthy Bregman is a big part of that unit.
He is also a complete player, given his defensive prowess at the hot corner.
If he can keep himself healthy, he should be a big part of the Astros roster going forward.
Can Houston get back to the World Series after a one-year hiatus?
Only time will tell, but their offense will be the one doing the heavy lifting in 2021 if they are going to make a deep playoff run.
Having Bregman, Correa, Brantley, Alvarez, Altuve, Gurriel, and Tucker at the top of the lineup certainly can’t hurt.
NEXT: 3 Moves Astros Can Make To Have Sustained Future Success