Overview

• MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports Brown and Espada are under contract for next year and will return to play out 2026.
• Houston finished 87-75 and three games behind the Mariners, missing the postseason for the first time since 2016.
• The Astros squandered a seven-game lead, sat in first place as late as Sept. 17, then lost six of seven down the stretch.
• Injuries loomed large: Yordan Álvarez was limited to 48 games, several starters missed extended time, and closer Josh Hader had an IL stint.
• Win totals have declined since 2022, and the front office faces decisions on rotation depth with Framber Valdez approaching free agency.