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Astros Begin Operations Review as Dana Brown Says He Remains GM and Affirms Espada Under Contract

Houston shifts to offseason repairs focused on pitching help and key contract decisions after a season derailed by injuries.

Overview

  • Dana Brown declined to discuss contract specifics but said he is the AstrosGM 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.