MLB Network commentator predicts the Houston Astros to go back-to-back, capture 2023 World Series

By nearly every metric, the Houston Astros were the best team in the MLB last season. From pitching to hitting, the team dominated all the way to winning their second World Series since the 2017 season.

Winning back-to-back World Series challenges is exceedingly difficult. The most recent team to do so was the New York Yankees, who won three straight titles between 1998 and 2000.

Can the Houston Astros do it again in 2023? One MLB Network commentator thinks so. Former outfielder and Houston native Chris Young is currently an MLB Network analyst. Appearing on a recent panel, he was asked if he thought that the Astros could overcome the odds this upcoming season.

"Could we see the Astros go back-to-back as World Series champions?" - @ MLB Network

Young appeared on the panel alongside former Milwaukee Brewers All-Star pitcher Dan Plesac. Although Plesac was unconvinced that the Astros could do it again, Young made some strong points to the contrary.

Chris Young pointed out that the Astros have appeared in four of the last six World Series and also highlighted the team's ability to garner wins even after the departure of star players.

Some of the top names Young used to substantiate his claim include George Springer, Carlos Correa, and Justin Verlander, who won the Cy Young Award with the Astros last season before opting to sign with the New York Mets.

Chris Young also praised the Astros bullpen as one of the most dynamic in the game. Houston Astros relievers posted a combined ERA of just 2.80 in 2022, the lowest of any bullpen in the MLB.

Relivers like Ryne Stanek and Bryan Abreu led the way for the Houston Astros relief corps. Stanek posted an ERA of just 1.15 in 54 innings, while Abreu struck out 88 batters and finished with a record of 4-0.

Ryan Pressly also posted the lowest postseason ERA for a reliever in history last season.

"Absolute dominance from the @astros bullpen all season long" - @ Fox Sports: MLB

Even if the Houston Astros cannot win it all in 2023, it's sure to be close

If one word were to be used to describe the Houston Astros, it would be depth. The team has proven time and again that they can get the job done using players from all parts of their starting lineup, reserves and bullpen.

Although they will face stiff competition around the league this season, there is no reason to believe that another World Series is beyond the realm of possibility.

About the author

Adrian Dorney is a baseball journalist at Sportskeeda. Having worked over five years in the industry, Adrian strives to combine statistical analysis with the human side of baseball reporting. Since a lot of his briefs involve publishing content with urgency, he has perfected a process involving a combination of trustworthy sources and assessment with intuition.

His lifelong tryst with baseball began with growing up in Toronto and watching the Blue Jays regularly. His favorite player is Baltimore Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., and Jose Bautista's go-ahead home run in 2015 ALDS Game 5 remains his favorite baseball memory to date.

When not working, Adrian is constantly looking to learn new things and he also loves playing golf and chess.

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