Houston Astros — professional Major League Baseball franchise in Houston, Texas

History and league alignment

Originally a member of the National League, the Astros moved to the American League in 2013 as part of a realignment that balanced the leagues at 15 teams each. That move made the team one of the few franchises to change leagues in the modern era and later allowed the Astros to become the first club to win pennants in both major leagues. The franchise evolved steadily from a struggling expansion team into a consistent contender through periods of rebuilding, player development and high-profile acquisitions.

Postseason achievements and notable series

The Astros reached the World Series for the first time in 2005, when they faced and were swept by the Chicago White Sox. Their most celebrated triumph came in 2017, when they defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games to capture the club's first World Series championship; the city celebrated the title amid recovery efforts following Hurricane Harvey. The team returned to the Fall Classic in 2019 and 2021, losing to the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves, respectively.

• First World Series appearance: 2005 (World Series).
• World Series champions: 2017.
• Multiple postseason appearances in the 2010s and early 2020s.

Players, identity and ballpark

Across generations the club has featured several widely recognized players. Notable figures associated with the franchise include Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell from the 1990s core, as well as names from later eras such as José Altuve, Carlos Correa and Justin Verlander. Earlier in the franchise's history, pitchers like Nolan Ryan made memorable starts. The team's visual identity—navy and orange in recent decades—reflects both modern designs and nods to Houston's industrial and space heritage. Mascots, fan traditions and the architecture of Minute Maid Park contribute to the club's local character.

Controversies and cultural impact

The Astros' on-field success in the late 2010s was followed by scrutiny when an electronic sign-stealing scheme involving the 2017 season and postseason came to light; Major League Baseball investigated and imposed disciplinary measures. The episode prompted debate about competitive integrity, led to organizational changes, and remains a defining aspect of the franchise's recent history. At the same time, the team has played a large role in Houston's civic life, participating in relief and recovery efforts after disasters and serving as a source of local pride.

Today the Astros are regarded as one of the prominent organizations in modern baseball for their sustained competitiveness, player development pipelines and commercial presence in a major U.S. city. For further reading about Major League Baseball, team statistics, schedules and community programs, consult the league and team resources linked above.