Astros Face Uncertain Future, Risk Postseason Decline

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been ranked as the worst MLB franchise over the past 25 years, with a negative rating due to prolonged periods of losing records, including the longest consecutive streak of seasons below .500 from 1993 to 2012. Despite some promising players like Paul Skenes and Jared Jones, the Pirates' outlook for a playoff run remains bleak without major improvements. Meanwhile, the Houston Astros face uncertainty heading into the 2025 season, with significant changes and questions surrounding their roster, though they remain in a weak division that might still allow them a playoff berth. The Astros have maintained a consistent playoff presence over the last decade but may struggle to continue this trend due to roster changes, including the loss of key players like Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker. Some predict the Astros will have a worse record in 2025, despite new additions such as Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes, while the Texas Rangers and Milwaukee Brewers are also expected to decline. These challenges highlight the volatility and unpredictability in MLB performance year over year.