Locked On Astros - Daily Podcast On The Houston Astros

Houston Astros legends etch their names in history with iconic NLCS and ALCS moments. From Mike Scott’s 14-strikeout shutout against the powerhouse 1986 Mets to Jose Altuve’s unforgettable walk-off homer that sent Houston to the 2019 World Series, these high-stakes victories defined Astros October baseball. Is Altuve’s game-winning blast baseball’s greatest clutch performance?

[Brett Chancey] and [Eric Huysman] spotlight legendary feats by Jeff Kent, Carlos Beltrán, Roy Oswalt, and more, reliving game-changing plays, emotional heartbreaks, and the dominant pitching and timely hitting that drove Houston’s postseason runs. Key topics include the Astros’ evolution from underdogs to perennial contenders, the impact of Hurricane Harvey on Houston’s 2017 ALCS run, and what separates Astros playoff legends from the rest. Don’t miss this deep dive into Houston Astros playoff greatness and the moments every Houston fan will never forget.
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Houston Astros enter offseason turmoil as Joe Espada and key coaches exit amid front office chaos—can Jim Crane restore order before the 2027 MLB season? Assistant GMs, player development staff, and pitching coach Josh Miller's fate come under scrutiny as the Astros clean house and fans wonder who’s really calling the shots.

Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey break down the latest on the Astros’ managerial and GM search, spotlighting possible hires like John Daniels, Matt Klein, Danny Lehman, and dark horse candidates including Joe Maddon and Martin Maldonado. With behind-the-scenes dysfunction and major league icons like Jose Altuve in a regression, pressure mounts to find new leadership and rebuild a winning strategy. Will Houston’s next moves set the foundation for another World Series run—or a prolonged rebuild?

Locked On Astros is your daily Houston Astros podcast, hosted by Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey. As part of the Locked On Podcast Network, we bring you the latest Astros news, in-depth game analysis, player updates, and exclusive insights — every single weekday.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, stay connected with everything happening in Astros baseball. Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, never to miss an episode.

🎧 Subscribe today and make Locked On Astros part of your daily routine — perfect for your commute, workout, or coffee break.
📺 We’re growing fast on YouTube — help us reach 20,000 subscribers by subscribing now and joining the best Houston Astros community online!
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KALSHI
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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Astros let Joe Espada interview with the division-rival Mariners while Jim Crane stays silent and the GM search waits until after the World Series. Eric and Brett look at Espada's three seasons, Crane's decision to let the next GM choose the manager, and the candidates who could be in the Houston dugout in 2027, from Omar López and Alex Cora to David Ross and Rocco Baldelli.

Locked On Astros is your daily Houston Astros podcast, hosted by Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey. As part of the Locked On Podcast Network, we bring you the latest Astros news, in-depth game analysis, player updates, and exclusive insights — every single weekday.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, stay connected with everything happening in Astros baseball. Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, never to miss an episode.
🎧 Subscribe today and make Locked On Astros part of your daily routine — perfect for your commute, workout, or coffee break.
📺 We’re growing fast on YouTube — help us reach 20,000 subscribers by subscribing now and joining the best Houston Astros community online!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9fXhBb2-ZTiPwk7WNwYjzQ
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Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, in
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🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB
#Astros #HoustonAstros #MLB
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Amazon
This Back To School Season, spend less on your kids, with Amazon. With Amazon’s low Back To School Prices, just spend less on your kids. Because every dollar you don’t spend on them, is a dollar you haven’t spent on them.
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Stance
Check out the ICON collection from Stance—premium comfort, performance, and durability designed for whatever your day brings.
Use promo Code LOCKEDON at checkout for 20% off your purchase. Learn more at https://Stance.com.
Stance. The Official Sock Partner of Major League Baseball.
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at https://Indeed.com/podcast
KALSHI
For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-87

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Houston Astros face a pivotal offseason as Tatsuya Imai weighs an $18 million decision that could reshape the team’s rotation. After a turbulent first season in MLB, Imai must choose between returning to Japan for pride or staying in Houston to prove his worth against elite competition. Can the Astros count on him as a reliable starter, or will his inconsistency and mental hurdles force a change in strategy?

Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey break down Imai’s on-field struggles, from high strikeout potential to concerning control issues and walks. The discussion covers how Imai's possible opt-out affects Houston’s ability to pursue other starters, the influence of catcher Yainer Diaz, and the broader financial implications for the Astros. With roster uncertainties and a potential MLB lockout looming, every move matters. Will Imai bet on redemption in Houston, or is a return to NPB on the horizon?

Locked On Astros is your daily Houston Astros podcast, hosted by Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey. As part of the Locked On Podcast Network, we bring you the latest Astros news, in-depth game analysis, player updates, and exclusive insights — every single weekday.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, stay connected with everything happening in Astros baseball. Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, never to miss an episode.
🎧 Subscribe today and make Locked On Astros part of your daily routine — perfect for your commute, workout, or coffee break.
📺 We’re growing fast on YouTube — help us reach 20,000 subscribers by subscribing now and joining the best Houston Astros community online!
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Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
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Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, in
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🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB
#Astros #HoustonAstros #MLB
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Amazon
This Back To School Season, spend less on your kids, with Amazon. With Amazon’s low Back To School Prices, just spend less on your kids. Because every dollar you don’t spend on them, is a dollar you haven’t spent on them.
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Stance
Check out the ICON collection from Stance—premium comfort, performance, and durability designed for whatever your day brings.
Use promo Code LOCKEDON at checkout for 20% off your purchase. Learn more at https://Stance.com.
Stance. The Official Sock Partner of Major League Baseball.
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at https://Indeed.com/podcast
KALSHI
For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

0:00: Show Open
01:33 Tatsuya Imai's Astros Struggles
11:34 Imai's $18M Decision Factors
21:28 Yainer Diaz Blame Debate
26:42 Japan Return Butterfly Effects

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Three of the final four teams spend less than the Houston Astros. We dig into the numbers: where Houston's payroll has ranked since 2022, what's coming off the books, and why 2027 already looks tight before the lockout reshapes everything. Then we break down how Milwaukee, Tampa Bay, and Cleveland keep winning on a budget, and which blueprint Jim Crane and the next GM should steal to escape the bad-contract trap.

Locked On Astros is your daily Houston Astros podcast, hosted by Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey. As part of the Locked On Podcast Network, we bring you the latest Astros news, in-depth game analysis, player updates, and exclusive insights — every single weekday.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, stay connected with everything happening in Astros baseball. Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, never to miss an episode.
🎧 Subscribe today and make Locked On Astros part of your daily routine — perfect for your commute, workout, or coffee break.
📺 We’re growing fast on YouTube — help us reach 20,000 subscribers by subscribing now and joining the best Houston Astros community online!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9fXhBb2-ZTiPwk7WNwYjzQ
https://linktr.ee/LockedOnAstros
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOAstros?sid=YouTube
Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, in
Prospects & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB
#Astros #HoustonAstros #MLB
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Amazon
This Back To School Season, spend less on your kids, with Amazon. With Amazon’s low Back To School Prices, just spend less on your kids. Because every dollar you don’t spend on them, is a dollar you haven’t spent on them.
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Stance
Check out the ICON collection from Stance—premium comfort, performance, and durability designed for whatever your day brings.
Use promo Code LOCKEDON at checkout for 20% off your purchase. Learn more at https://Stance.com.
Stance. The Official Sock Partner of Major League Baseball.
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at https://Indeed.com/podcast
KALSHI
For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Content Timestamps
0:00 Show Open
02:14 Astros Payroll Strategy Debate
11:47 Astros GM Search & Team Direction
17:32 Comparing Playoff Teams’ Payroll Strategies
24:22 Astros Core, Altuve's Future, and Rebuild Options

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Houston Astros 2027 INFIELD SHAKEUP! Joe Espada DESERVES More Credit? | Locked On Astros

The Houston Astros face a critical offseason heading into 2027, and major decisions are looming for both their infield and manager Joe Espada!

On today's episode of Locked On Astros, host Brett "Htown Wheelhouse" Chancey welcomes special guest co-host Patrick Creighton from The Fan 95.7 Houston FM for an in-depth breakdown of the Astros' 2027 roster, potential trades, free agency targets, and the future of Joe Espada.

⚾ SEGMENT 1: ASTROS 2027 INFIELD — WHO STAYS AND WHO GOES?

The Astros have a crowded infield with Carlos Correa, Jeremy Peña, Isaac Paredes, Jose Altuve, and Christian Walker. With Correa returning from injury, Houston faces some difficult roster decisions.

• Is Christian Walker's time in Houston coming to an end?
• Should the Astros trade Isaac Paredes or move him to first base?
• Could Carlos Correa make the transition to first base?
• Is Jeremy Peña untouchable at shortstop?
• Could Astros prospect Jason Schiavone make an impact in 2027?
• Should Houston pursue free agent first baseman Ty France?

We break down the potential trades, positional changes, and roster moves that could reshape the Houston Astros' infield for the 2027 MLB season.

🔥 SEGMENT 2: JOE ESPADA VS. DUSTY BAKER — WHAT DO THE NUMBERS SAY?

Does Joe Espada deserve more credit for keeping the Houston Astros competitive?

Patrick Creighton joins the discussion with his fascinating Wins Per WAR analysis using FanGraphs data, comparing the talent and production of Dusty Baker's Astros teams from 2021–2023 with Joe Espada's teams from 2024–2026.

Despite Houston's total team WAR dropping from 57.4 in 2022 to just 28.8 in 2026, Espada managed to guide the Astros to another American League West division championship.

We discuss:

• Why Patrick believes Joe Espada has done more with less.
• How injuries and declining roster talent affected Houston.
• Whether Espada's lineup decisions and bullpen management deserve criticism.
• How much credit Dusty Baker deserves for Houston's previous success.
• Whether owner Jim Crane should retain Joe Espada for 2027.
• What the Astros' next general manager must do to return Houston to World Series contention.

Has Joe Espada been unfairly criticized, or is it time for the Astros to make a managerial change?

Join Brett "Htown Wheelhouse" Chancey and Patrick Creighton for passionate Houston Astros analysis, MLB offseason discussion, and a closer look at the decisions that will shape the franchise's future.

🎙️ HOST: Brett "Htown Wheelhouse" Chancey
🎙️ SPECIAL GUEST CO-HOST: Patrick Creighton — The Fan 95.7 Houston FM

🔔 Subscribe to Locked On Astros for daily Houston Astros news, MLB trade rumors, roster updates, free agency analysis, prospect coverage, and everything surrounding the Astros' pursuit of another World Series championship!

YOUR TEAM. EVERY DAY.
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Gameday Mens Health
Gameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at
https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=MLB&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corp

KALSHI
For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Patrick Creighton joins the discussion with his fascinating Wins Per WAR analysis using FanGraphs data, comparing the talent and production of Dusty Baker's Astros teams from 2021–2023 with Joe Espada's teams from 2024–2026.

Despite Houston's total team WAR dropping from 57.4 in 2022 to just 28.8 in 2026, Espada managed to guide the Astros to another American League West division championship.

We discuss:

• Why Patrick believes Joe Espada has done more with less.
• How injuries and declining roster talent affected Houston.
• Whether Espada's lineup decisions and bullpen management deserve criticism.
• How much credit Dusty Baker deserves for Houston's previous success.
• Whether owner Jim Crane should retain Joe Espada for 2027.
• What the Astros' next general manager must do to return Houston to World Series contention.

Has Joe Espada been unfairly criticized, or is it time for the Astros to make a managerial change?

Join Brett "Htown Wheelhouse" Chancey and Patrick Creighton for passionate Houston Astros analysis, MLB offseason discussion, and a closer look at the decisions that will shape the franchise's future.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Gameday Mens Health
Gameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at
https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=MLB&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corp

KALSHI
For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eric and Brett break down the 2026 Astros bullpen using our Shine / Grow / Next Steps format. In late May the pen was the worst in baseball; by season's end it was middle of the pack. We celebrate Josh Hader's return, Steven Okert's quiet dominance, Bryan Abreu's rebound, AJ Blubaugh's MLB-leading relief workload, and Miguel Ullola's late emergence. Then we dig into the walks, starters stashed in the pen, Bryan King's collapse, and lefties who couldn't get lefties out. Finally, we look at what Houston can learn from the White Sox, why young arms like Ullola and Alimber Santa deserve more trust, and whether to bring back Abreu.

Locked On Astros is your daily Houston Astros podcast, hosted by Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey. As part of the Locked On Podcast Network, we bring you the latest Astros news, in-depth game analysis, player updates, and exclusive insights — every single weekday.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, stay connected with everything happening in Astros baseball. Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, never to miss an episode.
🎧 Subscribe today and make Locked On Astros part of your daily routine — perfect for your commute, workout, or coffee break.
📺 We’re growing fast on YouTube — help us reach 20,000 subscribers by subscribing now and joining the best Houston Astros community online!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9fXhBb2-ZTiPwk7WNwYjzQ
https://linktr.ee/LockedOnAstros
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOAstros?sid=YouTube
Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, in
Prospects & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB
#Astros #HoustonAstros #MLB
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Amazon
This Back To School Season, spend less on your kids, with Amazon. With Amazon’s low Back To School Prices, just spend less on your kids. Because every dollar you don’t spend on them, is a dollar you haven’t spent on them.
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Stance
Check out the ICON collection from Stance—premium comfort, performance, and durability designed for whatever your day brings.
Use promo Code LOCKEDON at checkout for 20% off your purchase. Learn more at https://Stance.com.
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Brett Chancey breaks down where the Astros are at, and who he'd like to see them go after. The Houston Astros face a franchise-defining offseason, starting with their next general manager and the future of manager Joe Espada. On this episode of Locked On Astros, Htown Wheelhouse breaks down potential GM candidates, Houston’s biggest leadership decisions and MLB’s proposed schedule and postseason changes.

We examine three executives worth considering for the Astros’ GM search: Brewers assistant general manager Matt Kleine, former Rangers executive and current Rays advisor Jon Daniels, and Rays assistant general manager Kevin Ibach. Plus, we discuss two ambitious possibilities—Milwaukee’s Matt Arnold and Tampa Bay’s Erik Neander—and what could make either executive difficult to land. These are potential interview targets, not confirmed Astros interviews.

After an 81–81 season and a Wild Card exit against the Chicago White Sox, Houston must decide how to return to championship contention. We discuss Joe Espada’s uncertain future, Jim Crane’s role in the front office and why the next GM needs a clear plan for roster construction, player development and pitching depth.

We also tackle MLB’s proposed changes, including a 154-game regular season beginning in 2029, a best-of-seven Division Series and a system allowing top playoff seeds to select their opponents beginning in 2027. These proposals remain subject to collective bargaining.

In this episode:

• Houston Astros GM candidates from the Brewers and Rays
• Joe Espada’s future as Astros manager
• Jim Crane and Houston’s front-office direction
• Astros offseason priorities heading into 2027
• MLB’s proposed shorter season and playoff format changes

Who should lead the Astros’ next era? Leave your pick in the comments, subscribe to Locked On Astros and turn on notifications for daily Houston Astros coverage.

Locked On Astros—your team, every day.
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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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