The Houston Astros basked in their first ever World Series win on Nov. 2, 2017 against the Los Angeles Dodgers in an intense Game 7, suiting a nail-biting prior six games. Houston won 5-1 in Los Angeles, giving the city of Houston their first championship and World Series parade, which followed on Nov. 4, 2017. The team will receive their World Series rings in their home opener in 2018 accompanied by a celebratory ceremony memorializing the victory.

The 2017 World Series was significant not only because of the powerful match-up between the two teams – with fully loaded bats and strong arms both in the rotation and in the bullpen – but because of the longtime drought the winning team endured for the last 55 years since they joined the National League in 1962 as the Houston Colt .45s. Even since their recent move over to the American League in 2013, they have notoriously been one of the front teams eliminated for playoff contention. But all that changed with their historic playoff run this season.

The Astros not only had an extraordinary season, but shared an extraordinary moment with the Dodgers, as Game 7’s are rare in and of themselves. 2017 marked the 39^th time the World Series has gone seven games; including a game 8 where a game 2 tie extended the series.

As all professional winning teams do, the Astros look to go back to back in the 2018 season, which seems increasingly possible with their youthful lineup and deep farm system. Their bats are practically unmatched in the current game of baseball and their pitching is prosperous, too. Players like Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa – the younger of the batch – impose a heavy presence in the Houston lineup, which as long as they stay put, is dangerous to opposing teams.

The front office does however, want to work on the depth of their bullpen, which they hope to do with off-season trades and acquisitions. Their current main focus is on a left-handed reliever, possibly Mike Minor or Jake McGee.

The success of the Astros will have to be determined when it comes to, but until then, we can wait and watch for any movement between Houston and possible trading partners. Who knows, maybe the Astros can deepen their lineup with a hot prospect and make themselves even more of a threat to championship contenders… or, they could end up like the San Francisco Giants did in 2015 following a win – with multiple injuries and early elimination. Either way, the 2018 season should be thrilling to watch.

The 2018 MLB season starts on Thursday, March 29 following spring training in both the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues.