After becoming the first MLB team to reach the playoffs without a winning record (81-81), the Houston Astros also became the first team to be eliminated. Ten years, nine postseason appearances, and a ninth straight loss in home playoff games define the Astros’ 2026 postseason story. As the Chicago White Sox ended the Astros’ postseason run on Wednesday, fans lashed out at the home team.
During the series finale on Sunday, the Astros became the last American League team to enter the postseason by winning the AL West title. The Astros won the division title despite a .500 record because the division was historically weak—no team held a winning record. The No. 3 seed, the Astros, hosted the White Sox at Daikin Park for the Wild Card Series. However, for the second time in three years, disappointment awaited them. The White Sox followed a 6-3 win in the series opener with a 7-3 victory in Game 2 to eliminate the Astros and advance into the ALDS. SportsCenter shared the news on X.
“The Houston Astros are the first team eliminated from the MLB postseason after being swept by the White Sox,” wrote the outlet.
The Astros played a bullpen game in the series opener, and expended eight pitchers during the 6-3 loss. As the bullpen recovered, starter Hunter Brown needed to go deep in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series. Instead, he could not even make it through first.
The White Sox pounded him for four runs on five hits, and Colson Montgomery drew a walk. Brown faced nine hitters and needed 30 pitches to retire two batters. Joe Espada pulled the starter after 36 pitches, as Brown walked Montgomery. The Astros were in a 4-0 hole when Brown exited. AJ Blubaugh retired Sam Antonacci to end the disastrous first inning.
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Despite their best efforts, the Astros failed to turn the game in their favor. Peter Lambert pitched three scoreless innings to give the Astros a fighting chance. With three solo homers from Jeremy Pena, Cam Smith, and Jose Altuve, the Astros made it a one-run game by the end of the fourth.
The White Sox took their shot when Bryan Abreu took the mound. With runners in scoring position, Chase Meidroth took the plate and slugged a three-run home run to extend the lead to 7-3. The Astros never recovered from there.
This marked the second time the Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros from the playoffs. In 2005, the White Sox swept the Astros 4-0 to eventually win the World Series. For now, the White Sox will prepare to play the Cleveland Guardians in the division series.
Meanwhile, the Astros’ loss caused the fans to call them out.
Fans deliver harsh verdict following playoff elimination
The last team to enter the postseason, the Houston Astros, became the first team to leave. Following their exit, infuriated fans flooded social media to express their frustration.
One user wrote, “White Sox looking dangerous. Astros never stood a chance.”
After losing at least 100 games in the last two seasons, the rebuilding White Sox finished 84-78 and claimed the third Wild Card spot. The White Sox could have claimed the AL Central title if they had not dropped 12 games in September, letting the Guardians climb to the top.
The Astros can never outrun their 2017 sign-stealing scandal. It has come back again to haunt them.
“The trash can jokes are gonna outlive the dynasty at this rate, and honestly, they earned every single one,” commented a fan.
In 2020, an MLB investigation confirmed that the Houston Astros illegally used electronic devices to understand opposing catchers’ signs during their 2017 World Series-winning run. During that time, the players banged on a trash can to signal pitches.
Another wrote, “Underrated: that 27 jersey is cursed now.”
Jose Altuve wears jersey number 27, and on Wednesday, he gave his best effort for the team. His solo homer helped to make the matchup a one-run game. However, it is not enough for fans to forget the conspiracy theories that ran rampant after their sign-stealing scandal was exposed.
In Game 6 of the 2017 ALCS, Altuve hit a pennant-winning, walk-off home run against the New York Yankees. As he ran toward home plate, he motioned for his teammates not to rip his jersey off, clutching it to his chest. Fans later speculated that Altuve wore electronic buzzers underneath his uniform.
One user remarked, “Feels like 2005 for the White Sox!”
The White Sox and the Astros have met in the playoffs thrice now. After losing the division series to the Astros in 2021, the White Sox flipped the script this year. Previously, they swept the Astros in four games to win the World Series in 2005.
Another fan quipped,”Almost as if a .500 team didn’t deserve to be in the playoffs.”
The Astros entered the postseason holding the third seed with a .500 record after winning the AL West, the worst division in MLB. None of the teams hold a winning record, and with teams like the Yankees and the Red Sox competing in the Wild Card Series despite holding better records, fans are even more frustrated.
With their 2026 campaign coming to an end, the Houston Astros can turn their focus to the offseason. Perhaps some good free-agent signings can win over the fans before the 2027 Opening Day.