3 Reasons Astros Could Be Even Better in 2020

As much as it might pain baseball fans to see, the Houston Astros will still be a pretty good baseball team in 2020. No, they won't have the advantage of illegal sign-stealing technology (probably), but they will have many other qualities that got them back to the World Series last season. Three reasons in particular will lead to a resurgence of baseball's newest villain.

3. Chip on Their Shoulder

Houston Astros infielder Jose Altuve apologizes during Media Availability / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The most obvious reason that the Astros will be better is because the entire organization has something to prove. The players were miraculously granted immunity by the commissioner, but have endured an offseason from hell as far as their branding and reputations. There is no guarantee that any of these players will ever be welcome in another MLB clubhouse once their time with the Astros is up. Their legacies as players will be determined on how they perform in the wake of this historic scandal, and if they fail, history will put them to shame. Should they triumph, that shame might be accompanied by some resolve. Look for the likes of Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman, in particular, to have bounce-back years.

2. Dusty Baker

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker / Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images

The only real consequence the Astros organization suffered for their cheating was the suspension, and subsequent firing, of manager AJ Hinch. It's a consequence that might just end up being a huge boost to their leadership considering that Hinch was replaced by one of the most respected and experienced managers in all of baseball. At the age of 70, Baker is hardly the long-term answer for the Astros management, but he can certainly lend his expertise to a Houston resurgence this year at the very least.

1. Top Prospects Emerge at MLB Level

Houston Astros prospect Forrest Whitley / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The Astros have several top prospects who are expected to contribute at the MLB level next season. Forrest Whitley, for one, was seemingly untouchable in Astros trade talks for the last two seasons. Finally, he'll show Houston fans what he's made of. Add in Abraham Toro and Tyler Ivey, and Houston has a solid influx of talent to make up for the loss of the likes of Gerrit Cole.