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Astros Keep Brown and Espada for 2026 as Staff Overhaul Begins

Houston bets continuity will work, turning to staff changes after injuries derailed a playoff streak.

Overview

  • The Astros confirmed general manager Dana Brown and manager Joe Espada will return in 2026, with both under contract through that season.
  • Houston is parting with hitting coaches Alex Cintrón and Troy Snitker, catching coach Michael Collins, head athletic trainer Jeremiah Randall, and assistant GM Andrew Ball, according to multiple reports.
  • The club finished 87-75 and missed the postseason for the first time since 2016, losing the final AL wild-card spot to Detroit on a head-to-head tiebreaker as win totals declined for a fourth straight year.
  • Injuries were a defining factor, with 28 players landing on the IL and FanGraphs estimating the Astros lost more potential value to injuries than any other team; Yordan Álvarez was limited to 48 games and several All-Stars missed substantial time.
  • An active offseason looms with starting-pitching additions a stated priority, decisions on free agent Framber Valdéz, and potential trades to balance an infield surplus and bolster depth.