BREAKING: Astros Confirm GM Dana Brown and Manager Joe Espada to Return for 2026 Season Despite Late Collapse, Injuries
In a crucial development for Astros fans, the Houston organization has officially announced that both General Manager Dana Brown and Manager Joe Espada will be retained for the upcoming 2026 season, as reported by MLB.com. This decision comes in the wake of the Astros missing the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since their championship run in 2016.
Despite facing a late-season collapse and a string of injuries that plagued key players, including Yordan Alvarez, Jeremy Peña, and Lance McCullers Jr., the Astros management has opted to stay the course with Brown and Espada at the helm. The team finished the 2025 season with an 87-75 record, falling short of the AL West title by just three games.
The Astros’ performance this season marked a significant departure from their dominant run from 2017 to 2024, where they consistently reached the ALCS and clinched multiple World Series titles. With a noticeable decline in their win totals over the past few years, the pressure is on Brown to make critical decisions during the upcoming offseason.
Key challenges facing Brown include solidifying the pitching rotation, especially with the uncertainty surrounding free agent Framber Valdez and the injuries that sidelined several pitchers throughout the season. The Astros’ standards have been elevated over the past few years, and missing the playoffs is no longer deemed acceptable in Houston.
As the Astros look to bounce back from their 2025 setback, all eyes will be on Brown and Espada to lead the team to a resurgence in the 2026 season. The stakes are high, and the expectations for the Astros are clear: a return to championship contention is non-negotiable.
