Jose Altuve Undergoes Foot Surgery After Injury-Plagued 2025 Season

The 2025 season was a challenging one for the Houston Astros, with injuries preventing the team from reaching full strength and contributing to their first playoff absence since 2016. Among the most notable injuries was a lingering foot issue suffered by veteran second baseman Jose Altuve. Despite the discomfort, Altuve managed to appear in 155 games, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to the team.

Altuve opted for offseason surgery to address the soreness in his right foot, which had been affecting him since mid-September. The procedure was intended to alleviate discomfort and ensure he can enter the 2026 season fully healthy. Astros manager Joe Espada provided a positive update, noting that the surgery went well and that Altuve would soon resume his offseason workouts.

The 15th-year All-Star first injured his foot on September 13 in a game against the Atlanta Braves. While initially expected to be minor, the issue persisted, and an additional injury—fouling a ball off his left foot—compounded the problem, leaving him with soreness on both sides.

Despite the setback, Altuve’s recovery timeline looks promising. With surgery complete, the Astros expect him to return to full activity well before spring training, offering a boost to the team as they aim to rebound in 2026.

1. Impact of Injuries on the Astros’ Season

Houston’s 2025 campaign was defined by injuries and roster challenges. Key contributors, including Altuve, played through pain, and several other stars were limited by physical setbacks throughout the year. The team ultimately finished 87-75, tying with the Detroit Tigers, but lost the tiebreaker and missed the final AL Wild Card spot. The absence of Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman, both of whom departed before the season, further compounded the Astros’ struggles. Losing lineup staples put added pressure on remaining veterans, forcing them to carry heavier workloads despite injury concerns. Altuve’s foot issues came at a critical time in the season, coinciding with Houston’s push for a playoff spot. The nine-time All-Star’s performance was slightly hindered down the stretch, illustrating the fine margins that contributed to the team’s narrow postseason miss. Manager Joe Espada acknowledged the challenges the team faced, emphasizing that injuries played a major role in limiting Houston’s performance. Despite the setbacks, the Astros remained competitive, keeping games close and maintaining hope until the final weeks.

2. Altuve’s Recovery and Future Outlook

Following the surgical procedure, Altuve is expected to progress quickly through rehabilitation. Espada indicated that the recovery went well and that the veteran would resume offseason training in the coming weeks. This timeline suggests he will be fully prepared for spring training and ready to contribute from Opening Day. The surgery addresses chronic discomfort that had lingered for months, providing the potential for improved mobility, performance, and durability. For a player of Altuve’s caliber, returning to peak form is crucial for both individual success and the team’s offensive production. Altuve’s presence in the lineup will be particularly important as the Astros look to regain their standing in the AL after a rare down season. His leadership, combined with his ability to play at a high level, will be a key component of Houston’s 2026 strategy. The Astros front office, led by GM Dana Brown, has committed to returning a healthy roster next season, and Altuve’s recovery is central to those plans. With key veterans returning and injuries addressed, Houston is positioning itself for a stronger campaign in 2026.

3. Looking Ahead for Houston

The 2025 season was a reminder of how injuries can impact even the most competitive teams. Houston’s goal for 2026 will be to return to form and compete for another postseason berth. The team remains under the leadership of Joe Espada and Dana Brown, who will guide roster adjustments and player development efforts. With Altuve expected to be fully healthy, the Astros can begin planning a more balanced lineup and rotation, while also integrating new additions or prospects to strengthen the roster. The focus will be on maintaining player health, maximizing production, and building depth to withstand a full season. Houston’s fanbase will look to key veterans, including Altuve, to lead the charge. If the offseason goes as planned, the Astros could quickly reestablish themselves as one of the American League’s most formidable contenders. The combination of recovered players, strategic acquisitions, and improved health will be crucial to avoiding another injury-plagued season.