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The Jupiter Hammerheads are the single-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. On Tuesday they began a six-game homestand against the Dunedin Blue Jays and it did not go well. The Blue Jays won 19-5 and it was even uglier than the final score suggests.

The Hammerheads pitchers combined to give up just nine hits, but walked 22 batters, which is apparently a minor league record.

They issued six bases-loaded walks and hit three batters, with one of those HBP's coming with the bases loaded for another run. They also threw three wild pitches, with one of them allowing a run to score.

The home team's announcer could barely take it.

"This is only my fifth season," he said. "And I’ve been in baseball a little under a decade because of my college days. I’ve never written so many RBI walks in a book before. This is, listen, I know that I’m supposed to be optimistic about our team here, but I mean, come on guys. I could go out there. Let me loosen up my shoulder. I’ll go help things out. Because you’ve gotta put it over the plate. You’ve gotta give your defense a shot. They’ve not been given a shot all game."

With five games remaining in this early season series it can only get better.

Chelsea have opened talks with the representatives of a big-name player after their triumph over Barcelona in the Champions League, according to a fresh update on Wednesday morning.

Chelsea seal statement win over Barcelona on dream European night

Enzo Maresca’s side put in a scintillating performance at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, dismantling Barça 3-0 in a European encounter that underlined their credentials as genuine contenders for silverware this season.

Chelsea dominated from start to finish, displaying an intensity and quality that left the five-time European champions thoroughly outclassed.

The Blues flew out of the blocks with relentless energy, pressing Barcelona high and refusing to allow the Spanish side any time on the ball. Their attacking intent was evident throughout a pulsating first half that saw Chelsea create numerous opportunities, though they endured frustration as two goals were chalked off for offside and handball before finally breaking through.

The first goal arrived when Marc Cucurella’s dangerous cross deflected off Jules Koundé, giving Chelsea a deserved advantage after 27 minutes of intense pressure.

As good as Estevao: £60m star is on his way to becoming "a Chelsea legend"

Estevao was the star of the show as Chelsea beat Barcelona in the Champions League.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 26, 2025

It got from bad to worse for Barça, with captain Ronald Araujo receiving a second yellow card for his reckless challenge on Cucurella near the touchline. The sending-off proved catastrophic for Hansi Flick’s side, allowing Chelsea to seize complete control after the restart.

The second half belonged to 18-year-old sensation Estevao, who produced a moment of individual brilliance that will be remembered for years in west London.

Collecting the ball wide on the right, the Brazilian winger embarked on a mesmeric dribble, gliding past Pau Cubarsí before cutting across Alejandro Balde and unleashing an unstoppable finish into the roof of the net. The stunning strike showcased his exceptional technical ability and composure, stealing the show in a much-anticipated head-to-head with Barcelona’s own teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal.

Liam Delap then rounded off a superb Chelsea display with his first Champions League goal for the club after initially seeing it chalked off, with Cucurella getting a lot of plaudits too for his exceptional display against Yamal.

It was a statement win for Chelsea, who now go into their mouth-watering Premier League tie against Arsenal this weekend in very high spirits.

Now, according to Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri, supporters could have more reason to get excited.

Chelsea reopen talks with Mike Maignan who's "very keen" to join

AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan has long been a target for Chelsea amid their hunt for an elite-level keeper, with his contract expiring at the end of this season and potentially up for grabs at zero cost.

As per Tavolieri, Chelsea have reignited negotiations with Maignan and his camp, as the French international edges closer to departing the San Siro.

BlueCo are seizing on a developing contract standoff that could see the 30-year-old leave Italy as a free agent next summer, with Maignan reportedly informing Milan that he will not sign a new deal despite the club offering improved terms that would double his current salary.

The France number one can begin formal discussions with foreign clubs from January onwards, positioning Chelsea favourably in the race for his signature.

Maresca apparently views the experienced shot-stopper as a potential solution to Chelsea’s ongoing goalkeeping concerns. While Robert Sanchez has featured regularly this season, Filip Jorgensen could leave in January, and neither have fully convinced Chelsea’s manager.

Maignan is also “very keen” on the idea of joining them, so this could be one to watch closely as we fast approach the winter window.

The former Lille star is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top shot-stoppers, with Liverpool’s Alisson describing him as a world-class keeper at a truly elite level.

Newly-appointed Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti has criticised the team's lack of courage and revealed major problems inside the camp after their tight win over Bodo/Glimt. After taking charge last month, the ex-Italy boss guided the Turin club to their first Champions League win of the season and is eager to see his side continue their improvement.

• Spalletti still unbeaten at Juventus

  Juventus managed their second victory in five games under Spalletti as Jonathan David's injury-time winner helped them return from Aspmyra Stadion with all three points, though it was by no means a stroll in the park for the Italian side. It was the Norwegian hosts who drew first blood in the 27th minute through Ole Didrik Blomberg. Three minutes into the second half, their lead was cancelled out by Belgian forward Lois Openda. While Weston McKennie gave the away side a lead in the 59th minute, an 87th-minute spot kick from Sondre Brunstad Fet helped Bodo/Glimt restore parity. Finally, it was David who bailed Juventus out in the 91st minute. 

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  Juventus lack courage – Spalletti

  Spalletti was vocal after the game, and furious too, as he claimed his team lacked the zeal and courage needed to win an encounter. He said: "It would have been a shame to let it go in the second half. We struggled in every sense of the word, because the team doesn't take responsibility, lacks courage, and takes a bit of heat from what's being said. It'll be hard on them; here too, there were attitude issues that hung in the balance. We need to grow and make a mental step. We need to find solutions, because the team has a bit of horsepower in its engine."

  The 66-year-old was also annoyed by his team not taking their chances in the first half. "It was crucial to have the appearance of a team that plays openly, even if it struggles at times. They have great speed in tight spaces on this pitch, but in the first half we did our part, failing to capitalise on certain situations. It's an important victory, which the players deserved. We dedicate it to ourselves and to those who came all the way here to see us."

• Openda happy after securing first goal

  Openda is one of the new joiners at Juventus this season. On the final day of the transfer window, he was sent out on loan to the Bianconeri by his parent club, RB Leipzig. He has featured 12 times for the Italian club and finally got his maiden Juventus goal despite the extreme Norwegian weather. He said after the game: "I’m happy to have scored my first goal, but the win was the most important thing. We were able to take the three points at home and we did it together. I’ve always had everybody’s support here, I know what I need to do and how I can help my team. Today I was able to score thanks to everybody’s help. I’ll always try to be ready whenever I’m called upon."

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  Tight schedule ahead for Juventus

  The win leaves Juventus 21st in the Champions League table with six points, putting them on track for a place in the knockout play-offs with three games left. The Bianconeri will not enjoy any cooling break after their first win at the continental showpiece, with three games coming up in eight days. On Saturday, they will host Cagliari in Serie A before facing Udinese in the Coppa Italia on December 2. However, the following game will be their toughest among the three as they will take on defending champions Napoli on the road on December 7. They are currently seated seventh on the Serie A table with 20 points from 12 games, and winning against Antonio Conte's side will enable them to escalate their status on the table, with mid-season complications looming overhead.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco is heading to the injured list with elbow inflammation, manager Joe Espada told the media on Thursday.

"He's going on the IL, and he's also going to get a second opinion next week," Espada said Thursday.

Blanco is going to get a second opinion on his sore right elbow, which he reported to Houston's medical staff after his start last Saturday. He went six innings, giving up three earned runs on five hits while tabbing five strikeouts. Blanco is just over a week removed from his best start of the season against the Cincinnati Reds, going eight innings and giving up just two hits while striking out 11.

The 31-year-old is 3-4 on the season with a 4.10 ERA in nine starts.

Manchester United’s hunt for a new central midfielder became apparent in the summer transfer window, after the hierarchy stated their desire to land Brighton star Carlos Baleba.

The Cameroonian international was a key target for INEOS, but they were evidently put off by the Seagulls’ £100m asking price, which led to the Red Devils pulling out of a deal.

Ruben Amorim has since had to rely upon the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro at the heart of the side, with the aforementioned duo being the most consistent partnership at present.

The likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte have both struggled to break into the side in the Premier League, which could lead to either of the pair being offloaded in the winter window.

Such funds could certainly be directed towards a new addition in the coming months, which has led to numerous players being touted as potential options for the upcoming market.

United’s hunt for a new deep-lying midfielder this January

Over recent weeks, rumours have gathered huge momentum after United reportedly held talks with Nottingham Forest over a possible deal to land Elliot Anderson.

The 23-year-old has been in tremendous form for the Reds during the 2025/26 campaign, which has led to the youngster becoming a mainstay in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

However, any deal could likely be a club-record one for Amorim’s men, after his current employers placed a £100m price tag on his head ahead of the upcoming window.

He’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton another option being considered by INEOS before the opening of the window.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Red Devils are set to make a £70m bid for the 21-year-old, but the Eagles are currently reluctant to offload him in the near future, with some sources saying it may take £100m to prise him away from Selhurst Park.

The report also states that the player himself would be open for a switch to Old Trafford this window, but it it could hinge on the club’s ability to secure European football come the end of the season.

How Adam Wharton compares to Elliot Anderson

In 2025/26 alone, there’s little debate that Forest star Anderson has been one of the leading stars in the division – with his figures this campaign nothing short of remarkable.

The United fans have had the chance to witness the Englishman’s talents first hand, with the youngster thriving in the meeting at the City Ground at the start of November.

The 23-year-old featured for the entire contest and created three chances and completed 100% of the dribbles he attempted – subsequently showcasing his talents in possession.

Without the ball, he was just as impressive, as seen by his 100% tackle success rate and 14 recoveries made – with the latter the highest of any player on the pitch.

The £100m asking price would certainly be an excellent investment, but ultimately, it could be outside of the hierarchy’s budget in the upcoming window.

Therefore, a deal for Wharton could certainly be more feasible in January, but that’s not to say the club would be getting a lower quality player in the process.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats in the current campaign, the Palace star has managed to better him in numerous key areas – showcasing why he would be a better addition.

Aptly described hailed as “the best English midfielder since Paul Scholes” by one CONCACAF B certified coach earlier this year, Wharton is certainly Scholes like in his ability to evade the press and battle hard from the middle of the park.

For a United side needing a bit more spark, Wharton crucially has completed more key passes per 90 – arguably being a more threatening option when in possession and living up to that Scholes comparison.

However, despite his talents in such an area, his ability in possession is where he’s struggled compared to Anderson, with his ball-winning ability more impressive to date. Like Scholes, he’s got a bit of extra bite present in his game.

He’s made more tackles and interceptions per 90 than the Forest star, which could make him the perfect number six that Amorim has been craving in recent months.

Wharton has also made more clearances per 90, whilst also miscontrolling the ball on fewer occasions – subsequently making him a more reliable option than his compatriot.

£70m for a player of Wharton’s quality is an excellent piece of business for United, with the sky truly being the limit for the 21-year-old England international.

Whilst many fans may favour Anderson at present, the Eagles star certainly has a higher ceiling, with the youngster having bags of potential that he could fulfil at Old Trafford.

Better than Dorgu: Man Utd plot move to sign 'the world's most coveted LB'

Manchester United look set to make yet another big-money move in the defensive department.

By
Ethan Lamb

Dec 2, 2025

FIFA confirmed that the USMNT will be in pot 1 at the World Cup draw, and will avoid a number of top opponents in their group. Pots 2, 3 and 4 could yet be tricky, though, with a handful of teams that they have lost to in the previous year in the fold. The draw will be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Friday December 5.

• New seeding system set to benefit USA

  The USMNT are ranked No.14 in the world, and will get a leg up from the new draw system. All of the teams other than Canada and Mexico are ahead of them in the FIFA rankings. Thanks to their seeding, it is unlikely that the U.S. will meet any top sides such as Argentina, Spain, France and England until at least the round of 16 – assuming that most heavyweights win their group. 

  This method of seeding players is used in tennis, in a way which has led to several heavyweight final clashes between the current top two players in the world. 

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  World Cup draw nears as U.S. pathway will soon become clear

  While smaller nations will, perhaps rightly, claim that this new seeding system undermines sporting integrity by favouring the world’s most successful nations, a counter-argument would be the fact that all of the top four seeds still need to reach the semi-finals and could no doubt still face a difficult path in order to get there.

  With 10 days to go until the draw on December 5, the USMNT face a nervous wait to find out who they will face in the group stage of the competition. The likes of Scotland, Norway, Croatia or Italy (if they get through the play-offs) could potentially be on the cards for Mauricio Pochettino's side – as can Colombia, Croatia or highly rated Morocco.

  Match locations and kick-off times will then be announced the following day on December 6, as the tournament begins to come more clearly into view. 

• 'This will ensure' – FIFA issue statement on seeding pathway decision

  A FIFA statement said: "While the final draw will determine which teams play each other in the group stage, the updated match schedule, including the stadium assigned to each match and the respective kick-off time, will be confirmed on Saturday, 6 December.

  "The match allocation process that follows the draw aims to ensure the best possible conditions for all teams while, where possible, enabling fans all over the world to watch their teams play live across different time zones.

  "To ensure competitive balance, two separate pathways to the semi-finals have been established when developing the match schedule. In order to have a balanced distribution of the teams, the four highest-ranked teams … will have the following constraints: the highest-ranked team [Spain] and the second highest-ranked team [Argentina] will be randomly drawn into opposite pathways, and the same principle will apply to the third [France] and fourth [England] highest-ranked teams.

  "This will ensure that, should they win their groups, the two highest-ranked teams will not meet before the final."

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  2026 World Cup comes ever nearer for the USMNT

  Recent results have looked good for Pochettino's side as they move towards the World Cup. The U.S. are on a five-game undefeated run, and ended their last camp with wins over Paraguay and Uruguay. 

  They will have one more international window in March – in which the U.S. will face Portugal and Belgium in Atlanta – before playing a duo of tune-up games for the tournament in the weeks before kick off. They will find out their group opponents next Friday, with the draw scheduled to start in the afternoon and the times released shortly after. 

According to a Thursday report from Bruce Levine on 670 The Score, Wrigley Field, the historic home of the Chicago Cubs, will host the MLB All-Star game in 2027. Wrigley Field will be 113 years old by the time it hosts the '27 midsummer classic. The Cubs have not hosted an All-Star weekend since 1990 (but Chicago hosted it in 2003 when the White Sox had it).

Wrigley Field underwent dramatic renovations and restorations between 2016 and '18, and in more recent years, areas around the ballpark have been the focus. That has included increased security in the area near the park, which is uniquely positioned inside the space of just one city block with residential and retail businesses a stone's throw away from all sides.

"The final thing that the Chicago Cubs needed to do [after major renovations] for Major League Baseball and Major League Baseball security [to award them the All-Star game] is to get these bollards which are going to cost the Cubs, the city of Chicago and the State of Illinois $30 million to put up to be able to be the host and to have a secure, what Major League Baseball and their security feels is a secure ballpark for an event like the All-Star game," Levine shared on the airwaves Thursday.

It sounds like that is largely expected to pass with the Cubs in line to be awarded the game officially this summer according to Levine's reporting.

An ordinance was introduced by Alderman Bennett Lawson (44th Ward) to the Chicago City Council on Wednesday regarding the anti-terrorism grade bollards. The proposed ordinance will also seek to widen the Addison Street sidewalks on the north side of the stadium.

The city agreed to contribute up to $10 million, funded by the 2014 Cubs Fund for neighborhood improvements, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Part of the reasoning for the bollards is that the stadium is so close to streets that the city has not allowed the Cubs to shut down completely during events. In particular, Addison, which runs east-west, and Clark, which runs north-south—the two streets intersect with one another where the iconic marquee sign is—have remained open on game days. Both are collector roads that move high volumes of traffic toward arterial roads like Ashland Avenue, Irving Park Road, and Lake Shore Drive.

For past big events, like Big 10 hockey and the NHL Winter Classic earlier this year, stationary vehicles blocked streets and pedestrian areas, but the bollards are expected to be more permanent fixtures of security operations, if approved.

The Cubs already close down Waveland and Sheridan with Meridian Archer gates on game days as of the 2023 season. The city of Chicago utilizes Archer barriers at Wrigley on occasion, which are moved around the city as needed.

First impressions are not everything, but they count for a lot for any new signing – just ask Jadon Sancho at Manchester United.

A protracted pursuit of almost 18 months ended with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side finally getting their man in the summer of 2021, securing a deal for what looked to be a knock-down price of £73m.

Hindsight might suggest otherwise, but it’s easy to forget just how exciting a capture that appeared at the time, with the young Englishman having racked up 107 goals and assists in just 137 games at Borussia Dortmund.

A “forward player in the best traditions of Manchester United”, in the view of Solskjaer, the ex-Manchester City product appeared to have all the tools to succeed at Old Trafford, arriving in a statement window that also saw Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo welcomed into the fold.

Frustratingly hampered by an ear infection following his move, however, that early setback set the tone for what was to follow, as the winger never truly found his groove under a succession of managers.

Now out on loan at Aston Villa, the previously marquee signing could soon be heading for the ignominy of a free transfer exit from his parent club.

Latest on Jadon Sancho's future at Man Utd

It’s not wrong to suggest that Sancho never really recovered from that muted debut season, having registered just six goals and assists in the Premier League, while failing to score or assist at all under Solskjaer before the Norwegian was replaced.

2022/23 did start with a bang following the London-born star’s crucial strike against Liverpool under Erik ten Hag, although that relationship soon soured, with Sancho’s public criticism of the Dutchman a year later sparking the beginning of the end for his United journey.

Last season’s Community Shield aside, the 25-year-old has not played a competitive game for the club since that outburst amid the defeat to Arsenal in September 2023, since returning to Dortmund on loan, prior to joining Chelsea last summer.

There were signs of life for Sancho at Stamford Bridge, including his stunner in the Conference League final, although the Blues ultimately opted to pay £5m in order not to make the deal permanent, having failed to agree personal terms with the player.

A last-gasp move to Villa followed this summer, although the struggling talent – who last played for his country in 2021 – is yet to register a goal or assist, albeit while making an impact off the bench in the recent win over Arsenal.

United do have the option of extending his contract for a further year, with his existing deal set to expire in June, although the likelihood is that he will be allowed to leave for nothing, rather than the club having to fork out for his reported £150k-per-week salary.

There have been claims that former club Dortmund could look to re-sign their one-time boy wonder next summer, if he is available for free, with the Bundesliga perhaps representing the perfect place for his career to be revived.

A sorry tale then it has proved to be from a United perspective – let’s just hope it isn’t repeated.

Man Utd may have signed Sancho 2.0

From the woes of recruitment of recent years, this summer looked to be different.

Senne Lammens – a losing ‘keeper just once in his new surroundings – has settled in smoothly, while Bryan Mbeumo has already scored seven times across league and cup.

There is a sense that Matheus Cunha has been somewhat overhyped, amid club-led Eric Cantona comparisons, although the Brazilian has at least shown flashes of quality, notably teeing up Bruno Fernandes’ opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.

Reasons to be positive regarding all three of those deals, although questions might be being asked over the wisdom of forking out a total fee of £74m on Benjamin Sesko, with the Slovenian following Sancho in being another expensive, young addition from the Bundesliga.

A player whom United have tracked since his teenage years, having even turned down the chance to sign him for just £2.5m back in 2019, there was a feeling that Sesko would always end up at Old Trafford, just like Sancho before him.

Like the Englishman too, the 6 foot 4 striker had showcased his quality on a relatively consistent basis back in Germany, racking up 40 goals and assists in just 79 games during his spell at RB Leipzig.

Much like Sancho was tipped to be the long-term solution on the flanks, Sesko has been tasked with finally solving United’s centre-forward woes, following a string of short-term or expensive gambles, be it from Odion Ighalo to Rasmus Hojlund.

Frustratingly, however, things haven’t got off to the most positive of starts, with eyebrows raised when United’s number 30 was merely the tenth penalty taker in the defeat to Grimsby Town, albeit while having reportedly been suffering from cramp.

Indeed, like Sancho’s beginning at Old Trafford, a need to get up to speed fitness-wise impacted the forward’s involvement in the early weeks of the season, having not started in the league until the Manchester derby defeat.

Two goals have since followed against Sunderland and Brentford, although there is a real desire to see more, with the 22-year-old brutally described as looking like “an academy player” last month by Liverpool legend, Robbie Fowler.

His display against Brighton was particularly impressive, having teed up Mbeumo for his first of the night with a delightful turn and pass, although such moments have been few and far between.

Indeed, two missed chances against Tottenham Hotspur ultimately proved costly as United had to settle for a draw, with Sesko having been absent since then through injury.

A return to action could occur in Monday’s clash with Bournemouth, although with the New Year approaching, it already feels like a period wasted for Sesko, with little evidence to suggest he won’t merely follow in the footsteps of Hojlund – and Sancho – before him.

As already stated, first impressions may not be fatal, but they are crucial in winning over fans and pundits alike. Sancho, unfortunately, was never able to do just that, with Sesko in danger of following suit.

Man Utd have signed a "destroyer" who's a hybrid of Anderson and Fernandes

Manchester United already have their answer to all of their current midfield struggles.

By
Ethan Lamb

5 days ago

Mohamed Salah will start on the bench for the third successive Premier League game as Liverpool face Leeds United at Elland Road, and head coach Arne Slot has explained his reasoning behind the decision as the Egyptian takes his place amongst the substitutes once again. The Reds have picked up four points in the two games since Salah was dropped, and Slot will hope that his decision pays off once again against the Whites.

• Slot explains decision to keep Salah on bench for Leeds clash

  Slot spoke pre-match about his decision to name Salah amongst the substitutes once again, citing the importance of picking players suited to the task at hand against a Leeds side who will be full of confidence following victory over Chelsea in midweek.

  Slot told Sky Sports: “It’s never an easy decision because we all know what a great player he is. But it is also up to me to pick the team that I think we need today. That’s why I made the decision”.

  Liverpool start the encounter in the bottom half of the table but could rise as high as fifth with victory, with Salah on the bench and available to make an impact if called upon by Slot.

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  Salah sacrificed as Slot continues with new attacking formula

  The absence of reigning PFA Player of the Year winner Salah from Liverpool’s starting XI in recent weeks has meant that Slot has started with the more defensive-minded Dominik Szoboszlai wide right, as he has done again for the trip to Elland Road.

  While Szoboszlai has given the Reds more solidity down their right, the alteration in personnel has also begun to get the best out of Florian Wirtz. The 22-year-old put in arguably his best performance in a Liverpool shirt in the victory at West Ham United last weekend, then thought he had scored his first goal for the club against Sunderland at Anfield, only for it to go down as a Nordi Mukiele own goal.

  Whether dropping Salah from the line-up is the long-term solution for Slot remains to be seen, but he evidently feels it is the right decision in order for the Reds to turn things around at present, after their well-documented struggles throughout the autumn.

• Slot praises Salah's professionalism after dropping to bench

  Slot spoke of Salah’s professionalism when the 33-year-old was an unused substitute at the London Stadium last Sunday, telling reporters it was a “fair assumption” that Salah was not happy about the decision but that he “handled himself really well” after he was dropped from the starting XI in the league for what was the first time this season.

  Slot added: "That's a normal reaction from a player that's good enough to play for us, and I say that mildly because he has been so outstanding for this club for so many years and will be for the future. He wasn't the only one who wasn't happy that he wasn't starting and that is normal.

  "He is so disciplined – he knows what to do to stay fit," Slot said. "No matter if he plays well or if he doesn't play well, if he plays or doesn't play, he will always be that top professional and that's what he was in the last two days.

  "With all players around their world, there are also phases in your time at the club that they are human. He's scored so many goals for us and I am sure he will in the future."

  "We have to find a way to play without him because he won't be here," Slot said in reference to the Africa Cup of Nations, for which Salah will depart by December 15.

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  Salah and Isak both on bench to face Leeds

  Salah was not the only big-name player named amongst the substitutes to face Leeds, as Alexander Isak also had to settle for a place on the bench with Hugo Ekitike starting through the centre. Slot has a wealth of attacking options to call on, and the pair will certainly have their role to play for the Reds in the coming months.

For almost a decade, the Astros ruled the American League. If they weren't dominating their competition on the field to the tune of four pennants in seven years, they were invariably dominating chatter off of it—for good or for ill.

In 2025, that came to a screeching halt. Houston missed the playoffs altogether for the first time since 2016, drummed out by the Guardians on the season's penultimate day. They finished three games behind the Mariners in the American League West, yielding control of that division for the first time since 2020.

Questions swirled around the fate of general manager Dana Brown and manager Joe Espada after the season, but according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, neither of them are going anywhere.

"Astros GM Dana Brown and manager Joe Espada are both under contract for next year and will return in 2026," McTaggart wrote on social media Tuesday afternoon. "Any speculation about their futures can be put to rest."

Brown has worked as the team's general manager since 2023, while Espada is entering his third year with the franchise carrying a record of 175–148.