The gang is back: Astros GAMBLE on Continuity as Brown and Espada Return for 2026
ASTROS SHAKE UP: Brown and Espada Return for 2026
Houston Astros’ front office makes waves as GM Dana Brown and manager Joe Espada secure their spots for 2026. What does this mean for the team’s future? Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey break down the surprising decision, analyzing its impact on offseason strategy and roster moves. The duo explores how injuries derailed the Astros’ 2025 playoff hopes and debates which arbitration-eligible players might face non-tender decisions. Carlos Correa’s leadership role takes center stage as the hosts discuss his influence on the clubhouse and city. Can a healthy Astros squad bounce back to 95+ wins in 2026? Tune in for expert insights on Houston’s path back to contention and the critical moves Dana Brown must make to keep pace in an increasingly competitive AL West.
Join Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey for the Locked On Astros podcast as the gang reacts to the gang sticking together for one more year. Dana Brown and Joe Espada are both expected to return in 2026, according to Brian McTaggart, to lead the Astros back to the playoffs.
Locked On Astros is a daily podcast about the Houston Astros, hosted by Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey. It is part of the Locked On Podcast Network.
0:00 Intro: Dana Brown and Joe Espada returning
5:35 Injuries impact on Astros’ 2023 performance
14:07 Discussing arbitration-eligible players and potential non-tenders
23:46 Carlos Correa’s leadership role in 2024
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13 comments
Deep sigh.
I had higher expectations from Jim crane. Don’t expect much from Joe espada next season.
Say goodbye to another season. 😮
Thank goodness Joe and Dana are coming back, and I say that without taking into account how they perform. If they had been replaced, the organization's reputation would take a hit, especially considering they hadn't brought back the GM that engineered their last World Series title. If I was a candidate, I'd look at that history and decide not to subject myself to that chaos.
Meanwhile the Medical Team, Trainers, Surgeons all have done a Terrible job.
I like Espada compared to any other AL manager. His in game decisions seem to logic based, he seems to have the backing of the players and he seems even keeled which is what you need in such a ridiculous business. Hope we can make a deep push next year health willing!
yes exelelente
Well another season of missing the playoffs. The same offense that can’t hit. The starting rotation is below average and I don’t trust Hunter Brown. The injuries are not the problem. This offense is not good enough.
Espada doesn’t hit nor pitch. The players have to execute
I am glad to here Brett parroting my idea of Ranger Suarez. That would be a big splash. Compliment that with a JV or Cease or Framber on a show-me deal or even another big splash of Merrill Kelley now that would be a good off-season.
Brandon Walters was more important than Spaghetti. Walkers was awesome before TJ struck him.
The main reason next season the Stros will not have a repeat of the massive injuries is because all those dudes incurred injuries that will keep them out all if not most of next season.
Astros need a catcher cause that guy that yall have in the introduction he needs to go Diaz haven't improve on catching at all calls the same pitch 3 or 4 times in a row can't throw no one out Astros need another catcher….Diaz is an awful catcher as a hitter he's bad doesn't swing at strikes he swings at ball that are about a foot off homeplate 😂😂😂