It may seem hard to believe, but baseball season is back. The Houston Astros open the 2026 season against the division rival Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park, with optimism for better health and fresh faces after the ‘Stros eight-year postseason appearance streak came to an end last year. “There’s just so much hope involved in anticipation of a healthy season,” says Steve Sparks, Astros radio broadcaster. “It’s such a difference from where they were last year for a good portion of the season.”
Last year’s team finished second in the AL West behind Seattle, with injuries a huge factor. “Yordan Alvarez only played 48 games, that’s their best hitter,” says Sparks. “So getting him back in there, he makes everybody else better.”
“As for some of the new guys, (pitchers) Mike Burrows, Tatsuya Imai…there’s a lot to be excited about because everybody’s looked good in spring training so far.”
Burrows came over in an offseason trade from Pittsburgh, while Imai was signed from Japan to bolster a starting rotation that lost longtime stalwart Framber Valdez.
The unquestioned ace of the pitching staff is Hunter Brown, who takes the mound as the opening day starter after finishing third in AL Cy Young Award voting in a breakout season last year. “He’s one of those guys who can pin his shoulders back and give you that air of confidence, and maybe even cockiness, to go out there and bully the other team from time to time,” says Sparks.
Ultimately, Sparks notes a more serious vibe surrounding this team after last year’s disappointment. “Carlos Correa kind of set the tone before spring training even started, talking about they need to do whatever they can to stay on the field,” he tells KTRH. “You know, this team is good enough to get to the playoffs, but they’ve got to stay healthy, and they’ve got to make a commitment to that.”
Besides the on-field action, there are plenty of new food options for fans at Daikin Park this season. For starters, Whataburger has replaced Torchy’s Tacos in center field. Other new offerings at concession stands include Brisket Donuts, Boomin Onions, Bahn Mi Dogs, StrosRitas and espresso cocktails.
The Astros are also joining the newest trend across ballparks, the 9-9-9 Challenge. This involves nine mini hot dogs and nine flight-sized beers served over nine innings, for fans who want to test their appetite and stamina. The Astros have not announced the price yet, but in other ballparks it typically goes for $55 to $60.
One thing that hasn’t changed this year: You can still catch all the Astros action with Robert Ford and Steve Sparks on SportsTalk 790, with most evening games also here on Newsradio 740 KTRH.
Play ball!