Overview
- Dana Brown declined to discuss contract specifics but said he is the Astros’ GM and expects to remain in the role after the team missed the postseason.
- Brown said Joe Espada is the manager under contract for 2026 as the club undertakes a complete evaluation of its baseball operations.
- Addressing the rotation tops the agenda, with Brown indicating Houston will likely pursue a starting pitcher via trade while assessing injured returnees.
- Framber Valdez and Victor Caratini are set for free agency, and the Astros signaled interest in retaining Caratini in a thin catching market.
- The club cited a heavy injury toll — 26 players hit the IL and FanGraphs estimated 17.6 WAR lost — and reported Josh Hader is improving but has not resumed throwing, leaving his timeline unclear.