Warning: Video contains coarse language
The Houston Astros are returning to the postseason after winning their eighth AL West title since 2017, thanks to the Texas Rangers' loss to the Minnesota Twins on Sunday.
Houston will host the Chicago White Sox in the AL wild-card series. Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET.
Joe Espada gives a speech as the Houston Astros celebrate winning the American League West pic.twitter.com/RkSyLrUNwb
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) September 27, 2026
The 81-81 Astros are the first-ever division champions to finish a season without a winning record.
Yordan Alvarez anchored the Astros' lineup during an MVP-caliber campaign that included 42 home runs, 106 RBIs, and his first batting title. Astros skipper Joe Espada rewarded Alvarez's efforts with a WWE championship belt following Sunday's win over the Athletics.
"The WWE gave us this, but in my f*cking book you're the [heavyweight] champion of the world." -Joe Espada pic.twitter.com/XHU0UDxTDo
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) September 27, 2026
Houston returns to the postseason despite having mutually agreed to part ways with general manager Dana Brown at the end of August.
The Rangers, meanwhile, failed to reach the postseason for the third consecutive season after winning the World Series in 2023.
