GM Luhnow admits feeling 'pressure' to make Astros better for 2016

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 22: Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow waits near the batting cage prior to the start of the game against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park on April 22, 2013 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

When a club makes the type of dramatic jump that the Houston Astros did in 2015, expectations get raised in a hurry.

Two seasons after going 51-111, the upstart Astros were in first place in the competitive AL West for much of the season, finishing with a Wild Card berth and making it all the way to Game 5 of the ALDS.

The club's window of opportunity is expected to be open for at least the next few years thanks to Houston's core and minor-league depth, and within this context GM Jeff Luhnow admitted last week to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart that the new success brought with it added 'pressure' to improve over the offseason:

The potential loss of slugging outfielder Colby Rasmus won't be an issue after he became the first player to accept a qualifying offer on Friday, ensuring his return to Houston next season.

As for their situation at first base, the Astros have a number of options, and according to Luhnow it could play out in a few ways:

The 2015 Astros were a resilient, dynamic club with a blend of young stars and quality veterans, and helping amend the roster to improve in areas of need before Opening Day 2016 is now on the to-do list for Luhnow and his staff in the coming months.