What makes the Houston Astros lineup the best in the American League?

 The Houston Astros have boasted some impressive lineups in their 6-year reign of terror on Major League Baseball. They've lead the MLB in batting average three times since 2017, and twice they've lead in OPS, while finishing third in 2021. It's been their emphasis on hitting for contact and average, combined with striking out less than everybody else, that make it so difficult for pitchers to navigate through this Astros lineup.

 The Astros lineup in 2022 could be best described as top-heavy and streaky, especially following the loss of Michael Brantley in June. Although it featured the likes of All-Stars Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, and Kyle Tucker, the bottom-half had its inconsistencies. Yuli Gurriel who had just hit .319 in the 2021 season and won the batting title, was showing signs of age and diminished batspeed. The trade for Trey Mancini didn't provide the boost at 1B/DH the Astros organization had hoped for. Likewise, catcher Christian Vazquez whom the Astros traded for at the deadline as well, didn't perform near the level he did in Boston.

  Fast-forward to now, and there are several reasons to believe the Astros 2023 lineup clears the AL field.

 Firstly, the huge free agency acquisition of slugging first baseman Jose Abreu. A former AL MVP, and one of the best hitters in baseball since his major league debut in 2014, Abreu should be a massive upgrade over Gurriel. Despite concerns over age and power decline, Abreu should see a resurgence given the left-field dimensions at Minute Maid Park. Also an RBI machine his entire career, there's no reason to believe he can't drive in 90+ runs in 2023 when he's sandwiched in between Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker.

 Additionally, having a healthy Michael Brantley only provides more length in this Astros batting order. The last time we saw Michael Brantley, he was still one of the best contact hitters in the sport. In 64 games last year, he hit .288 with a .370 on-base percentage and 125 OPS+. He, like Jose Abreu, can hit to all parts of the ballpark and just another reason he's one of the tougher outs in baseball. It remains to be seen how he bounces back following shoulder surgery at age 35, but if he's anywhere close to his former self, it makes the Astros all the more formidable.

 Lastly, some of the younger players in this Astros lineup can be expected to improve. Kyle Tucker was one of the most frequently shifted players in the MLB, and was deprived of many hits as a result. With the shift ban in 2023, a lot more of those hard-hit balls pulled to right field will find open grass instead of the glove of a second baseman in the outfield. Jeremy Peña displayed better approach towards the end of the 2022 regular season when he ditched his leg kick. He posted a 131 wRC+ following the shortened stride and his success at the plate carried on into the playoffs. Chas McCormick dominated left-handed pitching in 2022, however he struggled against righties. He had an 88 wRC+ and .207 average against RHP. With more consistent starts as the primary centerfielder, could come better results at the plate.

  Any lineup that has the reigning ALCS and World Series MVP projected to hit 7th is a force to be reckoned with. A team such as the Toronto Bluejays does drive a hard bargain, after all, they were second in wRC+ in 2022 and only added more depth this offseason. But so did the Astros, with two hitting machines. When you combine that with the young studs with plenty room to grow, and the overall run-producing potential, it's safe to consider the Astros the best offense in the American League heading into 2023.