Houston Astros Strongest Ranking in MLB RIVALS. The guide includes a list of the strongest players for each position and batting orders for the Houston Astros.
Table of Contents
Note: The strongest ranking in this article consists of players other than HOF cards. If you obtain an HOF card, consider replacing the player in the corresponding position.
Strongest Player Quick Reference Table
Pitcher
| SP | RP | CP |
  G. Cole ’19 |  B. Abreu ’23 |  Pressly '21 |
Top-class starting pitchers like Cole and Verlander are on the roster. For relief pitchers, build around Abreu, who has high velocity/break. For the closer, either choose Pressly, who has many pitch types, or acquire a high-performance CP from another team through FA trade.
Fielder
| C | 1B | 2B |
 Y. Diaz |  J. Bagwell ’94 |  J. Altuve ’17 |
| 3B | SS | LF |
 A. Bregman ’19 |  C. Correa |  L.E. Gonzalez ’93 |
| CF | RF | DH |
 G. Springer ’19 |  K. Tucker ’23 |  Y. Alvarez ’22 |
Bagwell, Bregman, and Altuve have very high batting performance, so it's good to put them in the heart of the order. Since there are many players with high fielding stats, this is a well-balanced team offensively and defensively.
Positions to Strengthen with FA Contracts
Prioritize strengthening catchers and closing pitchers
For fielders, the catcher's performance is low, so prioritize acquiring players from other teams. For pitchers, strengthening the closing pitcher will further enhance stability in the late innings.
Recommended Players for FA Trade
Catcher (C)
| Player | Team/Features |
|---|---|
 J. Mauer ’09 | Minnesota Twins - Extremely high hitting performance - 9 Hot Zones - Average Launch Angle is 5° |
 J. Kendall ’00 | Pittsburgh Pirates - Extremely high hitting performance - 7 Hot Zones - Average Launch Angle is 5° |
 J. Torre ’66 | Atlanta Braves - Extremely high batted ball performance - 7 Hot Zones - Average Launch Angle is 13° |
Closing Pitcher (CP)
| Player | Team/Features |
|---|---|
 R. Gossage ’77 | Pittsburgh Pirates - Extremely high pitching ability - Total 3 pitch types - All pitch types are Rank B or higher |
 C. Kimbrel ’17 | Boston Red Sox - Extremely high VEL/BRK - Total 3 pitch types - 2 pitch types are Rank B or higher |
 J. Hader ’19 | Milwaukee Brewers - Break is 80, top class - Total 4 pitch types - 2 pitch types are Rank B or higher |
Astros' Features
Pitchers boast top-class abilities
Many of the Astros' pitchers have top-class stats. In particular, many starting Special Players have an OVR exceeding 70. Among them, Signature G. Cole ’19 has all stats exceeding 70, and his break is exceptionally high at 90.
It is recommended to enhance the hitting performance of fielders
Since many of the Astros' pitchers have high break and fielding stats, it is difficult for opponents to score runs. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize enhancing the hitting performance of fielders.
Astros' Recommended Batting Order and Skills
| Order | Player | Recommended Skills |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  C. Correa ’16 | - Leadoff - Table Setter One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Rank Battle (Recommended for PvP) |
| 2 |  J. Altuve ’16 | - Leadoff - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Rank Battle (Recommended for PvP) |
| 3 |  K. Tucker ’23 | - Cleanup Trio - Heart of the Order - Clutch Hitter |
| 4 |  J. Bagwell ’00 | - Cleanup Trio - Heart of the Order - Lineup Consistency |
| 5 |  L.E. Gonzalez ’93 | - Cleanup Trio - Heart of the Order - Clutch Hitter |
| 6 |  A. Bregman ’19 | - Bottom of the Order - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Rank Battle (Recommended for PvP) |
| 7 |  M. Brantley ’19 | - Bottom of the Order - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Rank Battle (Recommended for PvP) |
| 8 |  G. Springer ’19 | - Bottom of the Order - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Rank Battle (Recommended for PvP) |
| 9 |  B. Ausmus ’05 | - Bottom of the Order - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Rank Battle (Recommended for PvP) |
| Order | Player | Recommended Skills |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  K. Tucker ’23 | - Leadoff - Table Setter One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Rank Battle (Recommended for PvP) |
| 2 |  J. Altuve ’24 | - Leadoff - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Rank Battle (Recommended for PvP) |
| 3 |  G. Springer ’19 | - Cleanup Trio - Heart of the Order - Clutch Hitter |
| 4 |  J. Bagwell ’00 | - Cleanup Trio - Heart of the Order - Lineup Consistency |
| 5 |  M. Ensberg ’05 | - Cleanup Trio - Heart of the Order - Clutch Hitter |
| 6 |  Y. Alvarez ’24 | - Bottom of the Order - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Rank Battle (Recommended for PvP) |
| 7 |  C. Correa ’16 | - Bottom of the Order - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Rank Battle (Recommended for PvP) |
| 8 |  A. Bregman ’24 | - Bottom of the Order - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Rank Battle (Recommended for PvP) |
| 9 |  C. Vázquez ’22 | - Bottom of the Order - Batting Machine One of the following - Late Inning Focus - Rank Battle (Recommended for PvP) |
Selection Criteria
Prioritizing players with high rarity
Player rarity affects their initial stats and stat increase value when trained. Therefore, the rankings above prioritize players with high rarity.
Players with high stats also have high priority for lineup inclusion
Some players may have low stats even if their rarity is high. In particular, some Impact players have low initial stats, so replacing them with players with high stats or Deck Score may increase the team's OVR.
Deck score is considered for LIVE/Season players
The LIVE/Season players selected in the rankings above take Deck Score into account. Deck Score is an important factor for increasing the team's overall stats. Therefore, it is acceptable to include players with high Deck Score in the lineup even if their stats are slightly lower.
