Dana Brown discusses offseason challenges and optimism for 2025. Composite Getty Image.
Astros general manager Dana Brown reflected on a challenging offseason this Wednesday, including the difficult decision to trade star outfielder Kyle Tucker. While Brown had previously expressed confidence in Tucker re-signing with Houston, he admitted the trade was the toughest move he had to make.
“You can't fault a man for optimism,” Brown said when asked about his initial belief that Tucker would remain with the team. At the end of the day, Tucker's high level of play and desire to hit free agency priced him out of remaining with Houston. And so far, it appears the club received a nice haul (Cam Smith, Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski) from the trade. They gained 14 years of team control for 1 year of control.
One of the biggest storylines for the Astros this spring is Jose Altuve’s transition to left field. Brown expressed confidence in the experiment, saying, “The trajectory is good.” But he also made it clear that they haven't “committed” to it yet.
When asked if Altuve would be the starter in left field on Opening Day, Brown differed to his manager, saying that would be Joe Espada's decision.
Brown also praised prospect Smith, calling him the most exciting thing to watch in camp, while highlighting his blend of confidence and humility.
While Houston’s roster is taking shape, the bullpen remains an area of concern. Brown acknowledged that innings five through seven are still uncertain, and addressing those middle-inning gaps is a priority.
The team also made headlines by trading veteran reliever Ryan Pressly to the Cubs, a move some viewed as a cost-cutting decision. Brown rejected that notion, instead emphasizing that the Astros acquired a starter for the future in the deal.
(Nobody's buying that, but better to spin it rather than throw your owner under the bus).
You can watch Brown's full conversation with Foul Territory in the video below!
*Assisted by ChatGPT.
José Soriano and two relievers combined for a two-hitter and Oswald Peraza hit his first home run since a trade from the Yankees to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 3-0 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Soriano (10-9) allowed one hit and struck out eight in seven innings. Luis García allowed one hit in a scoreless eighth and Kenley Jansen threw a perfect ninth for his 25th save.
There were two outs in the fifth when Peraza connected off Hunter Brown (10-7) into the bullpen in right-center field to put the Angels up 1-0. His homer comes after his two-run single in the ninth inning Saturday helped Los Angeles to a 4-1 victory that snapped a three-game skid.
Yoan Moncada walked to start the eighth and scored on Mike Trout’s double that bounced off the wall in center field to make it 2-0. Taylor Ward walked before Luis Rengifo reached and Trout scored on an error by Lance McCullers Jr. when the pitcher overthrew first base.
Yordan Alvarez singled with no outs in the first and Soriano walked a batter in the second and sixth innings. The Astros didn’t get another hit until Ramón Urías doubled with one out in the eighth inning. Los Angeles outfielder Taylor Ward was injured trying to make a catch on that hit when he crashed face-first into the metal scoreboard in left field.
He was carted off the field holding a towel to the right side of his face. He was taken to a hospital by ambulance where interim manager Ray Montgomery said he would receive stitches to close the cut and be evaluated.
Brown allowed three hits and a run with five strikeouts in six innings. McCullers Jr. allowed three hits and two runs in his first relief appearance since 2018.
Key moment
The home run by Peraza.
Key stat
It’s the fifth time the Astros have been shut out this month.
Up next
LHP Yusei Kikuchi (6-9, 3.68 ERA) will start for Los Angeles in the series finale Monday against RHP Luis Garcia, who’ll make his return after sitting out since May 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery.
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