Seattle Mariners vs Houston Astros Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 9/21/26, 9:20 PM  by Carlos Zabala | Modified on 9/21/26 at 9:35 PM in MLB Picks

The Astros are in trouble and currently out of playoff contention; Monday's bye couldn't have come at a better time. They've lost 10 of their last 14 games, just being swept by the Braves at home, and are now out of playoff contention. Furthermore, the upcoming series doesn't look easy; they'll enter the first game against the Mariners as +123 underdogs.

The Astros lost the final game of the series against the Braves in Houston. Their runs came on solo home runs by Altuve, his 16th of the year, and Díaz, his 13th. Yordan Álvarez went 2-for-4. The Cuban MVP favorite stated through his interpreter that losing those three games against Atlanta felt like three slaps in the face. The Astros are in the same position as last season, just outside the playoff picture, similar to what happened in 2015 when their streak of eight consecutive playoff appearances was snapped.

The Mariners are mathematically still alive, but with their playoff hopes all but sealed. It's been a disappointing season, to say the least, but they've at least gotten the best out of their matchups against the Astors, winning 8 of their last 10 games since April.