{"id":541306,"date":"2026-01-27T22:38:34","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T22:38:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/541306\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T22:38:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T22:38:34","slug":"astros-franchise-favorites-htown-wheelhouse-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/541306\/","title":{"rendered":"Astros Franchise Favorites: Htown Wheelhouse Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Recently MLB Network hosts Houston native Robert Flores and Harold Reynolds released their own Houston Astros Franchise Favorite list, followed by another Houston native Brian McTaggart Astros beat writer for the Houston Astros. I figured why not weigh in the deep end of this pool. If you look at this graphic you will see the list I have compiled.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.crawfishboxes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/70\/2026\/01\/Copy-of-ASTROS-LINEUP-CARD-1.png?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"1080\" data-pswp-width=\"1080\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"w91vxg0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'\/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'\/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'\/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'\/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;)\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Copy-of-ASTROS-LINEUP-CARD-1.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">This list took some removing and replacing a few times. There simply aren\u2019t enough spots for everyone I think deserves to be on this list.<\/p>\n<p>The Starting 9: Catcher: Craig Biggio<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.crawfishboxes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/70\/2026\/01\/gettyimages-639071622.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"5136\" data-pswp-width=\"3382\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"CHICAGO - UNDATED: Craig Biggio of the Houston Astros catches during an MLB game versus the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. Biggio played for the Astros from 1988-2007. (Photo by Ron Vesely\/MLB Photos via Getty Images)\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"w91vxg0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'\/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'\/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'\/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'\/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;)\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gettyimages-639071622.jpg\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>CHICAGO &#8211; UNDATED: Craig Biggio of the Houston Astros catches during an MLB game versus the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. Biggio played for the Astros from 1988-2007. (Photo by Ron Vesely\/MLB Photos via Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Craig Biggio logged more time at other positions than catcher, he logged only 428 games at backstop, and 1989 games at 2B, 363 games in the OF, so why would I put him as the backstop. First, it is where he began his career, and Second Jose Altuve has already cemented his place in Astros history with 2 world Series titles, batting titles galore. What Biggio did could solidify him as the ultimate utility guy over the tenure of his storied 15 year career. Bottom line, I could not leave him out of the starting 9. Mr. 3,000 was the definition of Houston baseball, both he and his partner in crime Jeff Bagwell never wore another uniform. This scrappy kid from Smithtown, NY made his home in the dirt, he was either sliding in to extend a double, diving for line drive, or sprinting around the bases after one of his famous lead off home runs. THis 7 time All Star, 4 time Gold Glover, 5 time silver slugger and Hall of Famer deserves the ability to be placed on this lineup as a catcher. He may disagree and give the accolades to to Ausmus, but since this is my list he will be our starting catcher.<\/p>\n<p>First Baseman: Jeff Bagwell<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.crawfishboxes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/70\/chorus\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/25327603\/81442624.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"2354\" data-pswp-width=\"3520\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"Houston Astros Jeff Bagwell\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"w91vxg0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'\/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'\/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'\/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'\/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;)\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/81442624.jpg\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>SetNumber: X68609 TK1<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Clearly this Hall of Famer is second to none in Houston Astros history. An original member of the Killer B\u2019s, leading the club to division titles and its first ever World Series. This NL Rookie of the Year, MVP, 4 time All Star, as well 3 time silver slugger carved his name in Astros history. This blistering bruiser of the baseball made mincemeat out of pitches thrown his way and executed his defense like an art. His .297 Career Avg. 2,314 hits, 1,517 Runs , and a .408 OBP sets the standard.<\/p>\n<p>Second Baseman: Jose Altuve<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.crawfishboxes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/70\/2025\/08\/gettyimages-2229146410.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"3288\" data-pswp-width=\"4932\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 08: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros reacts to hitting a two-run home run during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on August 08, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant\/Getty Images)\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"w91vxg0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'\/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'\/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'\/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'\/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;)\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gettyimages-2229146410.jpg\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>NEW YORK, NEW YORK &#8211; AUGUST 08: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros reacts to hitting a two-run home run during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on August 08, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Jose Altuve, clearly in the running for GREATEST HOUSTON ASTROS PLAYER OF ALL TIME. Some say the time has not yet arrived, others differ. Since I was a kid I recall seeing Astros greats put on the orange and blue. From the Astrodome to Daikin Park, and I cannot recall a single player who has had a greater impact on a franchise as much as Jose Altuve. He is a 2 time World Series Champion, a Gold Glove winner, AL MVP, 3 time batting champion, 7 time silver slugger, and a 9 time all star. One of the only questions remains for this Titan of the diamond, will he reach the 3,000 hit plateau? I will throw my hat in the \u201cYes he will\u201d, ring when it comes to 3,000. Beyond that, this man has put his team on his back and done his best \u201cTake out the Yankees\u201dmove in the postseason, enough times to never be forgotten, and solidify a case for a statue in H-Town (as we call it.)<\/p>\n<p>Third Baseman: Alex Bregman<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.crawfishboxes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/70\/2026\/01\/gettyimages-2176218956.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"2719\" data-pswp-width=\"4079\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros runs to first base after hitting a single against the Detroit Tigers in the second inning during Game Two of the Wild Card Series at Minute Maid Park on October 02, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz\/Getty Images)\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"w91vxg0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'\/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'\/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'\/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'\/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;)\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gettyimages-2176218956.jpg\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>HOUSTON, TEXAS &#8211; OCTOBER 02: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros runs to first base after hitting a single against the Detroit Tigers in the second inning during Game Two of the Wild Card Series at Minute Maid Park on October 02, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Many old school Astros fans will say, what about Ken Caminiti, Doug Radar, Enos Cabel or even Morgan Endsberg? Not to mention Phil Garner clearly in the Top 5 of third baseman. At this point I looked at what happened under their tenure holding down the Hot Corner, and what kind of positional prowas did they represent while in Houston. We know Alex Bregman has moved on, but we will never forget what this 5\u201911\u201d or 6\u20190\u201d (depends on the day) kid from Albuquerque, New Mexico brought with him after stopping at LSU where he grew into a favorite to be a Top draft pick in MLB\u2019s amature draft. This 3 time All-Star, 2 time World Series Champion, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger and All Star game MVP gave his all to the Houston Astros. An astounding career on the diamond and in the batters box, as well a \u201cPro\u2019s Pro\u201d. One of my favorite things about Alex was his ability to bridge cultural divides with his teammates, there was no language barrier with him, he was always in the lab with the guys. Having spoken with him on a couple occasions there aren\u2019t many that are obsessed with baseball as this man is and will always be. I think he deserves to have his number retired once his career has come to a close.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.crawfishboxes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/70\/2026\/01\/gettyimages-2236509352.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"2563\" data-pswp-width=\"3844\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 20: Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros hits a single in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park on September 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros\/Getty Images)\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"w91vxg0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'\/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'\/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'\/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'\/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;)\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gettyimages-2236509352.jpg\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>HOUSTON, TEXAS &#8211; SEPTEMBER 20: Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros hits a single in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park on September 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">In 2015 the Houston Astros played the New York Yankees in a 1 game Wild Card Playoff, Carlos Correa was asked , \u201cBeing your first postseason game are you nervous about playing here, in Yankee Stadium against such a storied franchise?\u201d Carlos replied, \u201cI have been preparing for this since I was 6, I\u2019m not nervous, I am ready.\u201d That made an impression on me and from that point on he took the mantle of leader. He lead the team to their first World Series in 2017. He\u2019s won Rookie of the Year, a Gold Glove, and Platinum Glove, as well a 3 time All-Star twice wit the Astros. Carlos Correa\u2019s speech to Framber Valdez on the mound in the 2020 ALCS Game 6 almost single handedly helped them win that series. When he left the club felt a void and in an unexpeceted return to Prodigal ahs come home. Now at third base this newly minted third baseman has his eyes set on another World Series.<\/p>\n<p>Left Field: Lance Berkman<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.crawfishboxes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/70\/2026\/01\/gettyimages-1082285170.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"3600\" data-pswp-width=\"2430\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"HOUSTON, TX - JULY 13: Lance Berkman #17 of the Houston Astros and the National League All-Stars bats against the American League All Stars during the MLB All-Star Game July 13, 2004 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. The American League All Stars won the game 9-4. (Photo by Focus on Sport\/Getty Images)\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"w91vxg0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'\/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'\/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'\/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'\/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;)\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gettyimages-1082285170.jpg\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>HOUSTON, TX &#8211; JULY 13: Lance Berkman #17 of the Houston Astros and the National League All-Stars bats against the American League All Stars during the MLB All-Star Game July 13, 2004 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. The American League All Stars won the game 9-4. (Photo by Focus on Sport\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Lance Berkman fell off the Hall of Fame ballot after 1 time through, I believe something is very wrong with that. The Big Puma was one of the most prolific switch hitters during his playing days, and probably one of the most effective all time in an Astros uniform. Back in 2012 Bleacher Report ranked Switch hitters all time. Lance Berkman was 9th on that list, guess who ranked lower? Newest Hall of Famer Carlos Beltran (12th) he\u2019s the lone Hall of Famer behind him. Those that are ranked 1-8, 6 are hall of famers and 7 if you count Pete Rose. While these things can be debated back and forth, it appears that Lance Berkman is at least by this list a snub. A 6 time All-Star, career .293 hitter, 1,905 hits, 366 Home Runs, 1146 R, and 1234 RBI. Lance Berkman should clearly be in the Hall, and hopefully his peers will feel the same way down the road. His 6 seasons of 100+ RBI, hitting over .300- 5 seasons, and posting a career OPS+ of 144 in my mind puts him up there. Who can forget that amazing iver the shoulder grab on Tal\u2019s Hill quite possibly the worst addition to a MLB field in our lifetime.<\/p>\n<p>Center Field: Cesear Cedeno<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.crawfishboxes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/70\/chorus\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/20045598\/76095262.jpg.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"2358\" data-pswp-width=\"3510\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"San Francisco Giants v Houston Astros\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"w91vxg0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'\/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'\/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'\/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'\/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;)\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/76095262.jpg.jpg\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Photo by Herb Scharfman\/Sports Imagery\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Cesear Cedeno was one of the best Center Fielders in baseball, especially playing in the wide open spaces of the Astrodome. He won 5 Gold Gloves navigating the outfield in Houston, as well earning 4 All-Star selections. Some say Cedeno was THE Best CF in baseball those 5 years he won the Gold Glove. He also was able to hit for power at times. I recall a conversation with Jose Cruz at Reckling Park home of the Rice Owls and I asked him. \u201cIf you, Cedeno, Wynn, Puhl and others played at Minute Maid park (prior to its name change) would you guys have hit more home runs?\u201d Cheo Cruz, \u201cDefinitely my friend, we would have hit soooo many more. That is without a doubt, but when we hit it, there was never a cheap Home Run, it was a feat.\u201d I think Cedeno\u2019s 550 stolen bases is often over looked, along with his 2,087 hits, .285 career avg. and his OPS of .790 (.805 w\/the Astros) OPS+ of .123. Cesar was truly one of the greats and earns my center field spot.<\/p>\n<p>Right Field: George Springer<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.crawfishboxes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/70\/chorus\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/22247293\/usa_today_15075559.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"1965\" data-pswp-width=\"2948\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"MLB: ALCS-Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"w91vxg0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'\/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'\/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'\/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'\/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;)\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/usa_today_15075559.jpg\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">This 4 time All-Star, World Series MVP, and 3 time Silver-Slugger was drafted and grew up in Houston. George Springer is one of the most Clutch MLB Superstars of this generation. I had other options in right field, Kyle Tucker, Terry Puhl (Astros Hall of Fame), Richard Hidalgo and Hunter Pence all deserve a mention. None thought did it like, George Freakin Springer, on a cool October night George Springer went 0-4 with a strikeout. Many wondered \u201cWhy is he batting lead off?\u201d Well George found that clutch gene, and the rest is history. Yes I know baseball fans outside of Houston hate hearing this, but what George Springer did was without any assistance, no scandal, no trash receptacle just George being George. He went on to hit a Springer Dinger in 4 consecutive World Series games. Going 11 for 25 and hitting 5 home runs in the next 6 games. This 11th overall pick of the Houston Astros made his mark. Clubbing 20 plus Home Runs 4 seasons in a row, an OPS of .974 in 2019. Not to mention his amazing grabs in Right Field. Springer along with the Golden Era Stros Bregman, Altuve and Correa were a force to be reckoned with until they eventually parted ways.<\/p>\n<p>Designated Hitter: Yordan Alvarez<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.crawfishboxes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/70\/2025\/12\/gettyimages-2234236398.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"2524\" data-pswp-width=\"3785\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 10: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros celebrates on first base during the game between the Houston Astros and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 in TorontoOntario, Canada. (Photo by Michael Chisholm\/MLB Photos via Getty Images)\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"w91vxg0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'\/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'\/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'\/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'\/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;)\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gettyimages-2234236398.jpg\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>TORONTO, ON &#8211; SEPTEMBER 10: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros celebrates on first base during the game between the Houston Astros and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 in TorontoOntario, Canada. (Photo by Michael Chisholm\/MLB Photos via Getty Images) MLB Photos via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">There I am sure could be others you could slot in here, but no one even in a down year makes the Top 30 after a year where he was limited by games played. Before I move forward I think we lean into the injuries a little to much with Alvarez. The bottom line, he is one of the most prolific Left handed hitters in all of baseball. In his young career he won A.L. Rookie of the Year after only playing 87 games in his rookie campaign, is a 3 time All-Star, a Silver Slugger award winner, hit the series clinching go ahead 3 run home run in game 6 of the 2022 World Series, as well won ALCS MVP in 2021. Yordan Alvarez who hits better when he plays in the field is on a trajectory to become one of the best DH players alongside David Ortiz. The man lights up the score box, as well takes out light panels in scoreboards. He hit 31 or more home runs 4 straight seasons from 2021-2024. He still has more in the tank where that came from.<\/p>\n<p>HONORABLE MENTION: Brad Ausmus<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.crawfishboxes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/70\/chorus\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/25252881\/1321506728.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"1648\" data-pswp-width=\"2464\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"GIANTS_066_LH.JPG Houston Astros vs. San Francisco Giants at SBC Park. Catcher Brad Ausmus catches ball for a 3rd out in the first inning. Shot on 9\/23\/04 in San Francisco. LIZ HAFALIA \/ The Chronicle\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"w91vxg0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'\/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'\/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'\/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'\/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;)\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1321506728.jpg\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Photo By LIZ HAFALIA\/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Although he didn\u2019t end his career as a Houston Astros backstop, nor did he endear himself to Astros fans post playing career. There is no doubt that the man who lifted more than Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio in the clubhouse back in the late 90\u2019s was catcher for more games than any other 1,243 games. Brad Ausmus was a defensive menace for opposing base runners, and one of the best battery mates an Astros pitching staff has ever seen. Out of his 3 Gold Gloves 2 were awarded to him while in as Astros uniform. I was in attendance when he hit the biggest home run of his career which sent Game 4 of the 2005 NLDS into extra\u2019s. We all recall the 18 inning marathon that ended with Chris Burke hitting the walk-off. I would say, without Ausmus home Run that obviously never happens.<\/p>\n<p>Who would you put in this list?<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Please share in your comments below, agree or disagree as you see fit. I do not believe there is simply one answer to this, and it is always fun to see where others are on these lists.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Always Positive, Always Stros<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Recently MLB Network hosts Houston native Robert Flores and Harold Reynolds released their own Houston Astros Franchise Favorite&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":541307,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2389],"tags":[42,5,139,54,65265,3275,3211,4],"class_list":{"0":"post-541306","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-houston-astros","8":"tag-astros","9":"tag-baseball","10":"tag-houston","11":"tag-houston-astros","12":"tag-houston-astros-discussion","13":"tag-houston-astros-history","14":"tag-houstonastros","15":"tag-mlb"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@mlb\/115969466358759015","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/541306","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=541306"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/541306\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/541307"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=541306"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=541306"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=541306"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}