The Houston Astros are enduring one of the most frustrating seasons the franchise has experienced in recent years. Despite the struggles, the team is not expected to part ways with general manager Dana Brown. USA Today reports Brown's job is safe for now.
Brown has two years left on his contract, per the paper. The Astros are languishing with a 32-39 record, good enough for third in the American League West Division.
Astros' season struggles
Houston is used to being one of the best teams in the American League, but it hasn't worked out that way this year. The team is just 5-5 in their last 10 games, and seven games under .500 heading into Sunday. The Astros have struggled on the road this season, with a 14-20 mark away from Texas.
Things got even more difficult for Houston as the team recently parted ways with Jose Abreu. Abrueu had been sent to the minor leagues in April after struggling at the plate this season. Instead of giving him another shot, the team made a surprise move and cut him loose. The infielder is owed more than $30 million from the team, despite his release. Abreu was the American League MVP during the 2020 season, which makes his downfall even more bizarre. Astros fans are no doubt shaking their heads and wondering what Brown is thinking at the moment. Some are surely blaming him for this entire fiasco.
Brown, meanwhile, must now figure out a way to win immediately with some financial challenges. The team will have to restrain themselves somewhat at the MLB trade deadline, due to the $30 million chain on its neck from the Abreu contract. That might be a part of the reason why Brown's job is safe, due to the fact the franchise would be even deeper in a financial hole if they fired him. Houston also probably doesn't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater just yet, as the team has plenty of baseball still to play. Houston can get on a roll and charge back in the AL West. The team is nine games behind Seattle for first.
The Astros have a chance to win some games, but it won't be easy. The team is expected to use Jon Singleton in place of Abreu at first base. Singleton is hitting .221 this season at the plate, with five home runs and 14 RBIs. He has already more than doubled his amount of at-bats from last season, and that number will continue to increase. Singleton is in his second season with Houston. He also played for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023. In Milwaukee, he appeared in 11 games and hit a woeful .103.
Houston is back in action on Sunday, in a game against the Detroit Tigers. The first pitch is scheduled for 2:10 Eastern. Time will tell if it was a good move to keep Brown in the GM seat.
Follow Us
Subscribe