It was a bad year in South Texas, as the Houston Astros missed the 2025 playoffs. But there is optimism in the air in Houston, and Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell has warned Astros opponents, stating that this 2026 team will be contenders, according to team insider Brian McTaggart. “Jeff Bagwell on the 2026 Astros: ‘I wouldn't look past us. Despite the question marks on the bottom half of the rotation, it still ranked 11th in team ERA. If the recent additions and team health come to fruition, the Astros could fulfill Bagwell's prediction and vault themselves back into title contention.