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Here’s why long-term plans for Astros slugger, manager continue to be murky

The Houston Astros are in a battle for the division with the Texas Rangers, and there's less than two months left in the season. It's crazy to think where the Astros would be without a huge year from Kyle Tucker.

While Yordan Alvarez and Jose Altuve were working their ways back from injury, Tucker was a steady force in the middle of Houston's lineup, keeping the team in striking distance of the Rangers.

Astros GM Dana Brown recently stated that they're going to get a long-term deal done with Tucker, and the team sees it as a priority. This sounds like good news, but has owner Jim Crane changed his stance on mega-contracts? Because that's what it is going to take to secure King Tuck.

Plus, what about Dusty Baker's future in Houston? Will he be back with the club in 2024?

Be sure to watch the video above as we break it all down!

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After another poor performance from former Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns' season is starting to look like an uphill climb. Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb is out for the year, and Cleveland fans aren't too pleased with the way Watson is playing, especially considering the massive contract extension he signed with the team. And we didn't even get to the off the field drama that comes with Watson.

However, Houston fans are invested in the Browns' season outcome as well, with the Texans holding the Browns' first round pick in 2024, and having sent their own first rounder to the Cardinals in the Will Anderson trade.

So each loss for the Browns, means a better draft pick for the Texans!

For Houston, it looks like they have their QB of the future in CJ Stroud. And he'll be on a less expensive rookie contract for the next several years, giving the Texans more cap space to upgrade the roster.

With all of this in mind, is it fair to question if the Texans dodged a bullet when Watson demanded a trade?

DeMeco Ryans vs. Lovie Smith

Plus, we're only two games into the season, but Lovie Smith's defense was much better (with a similar roster) than what DeMeco Ryans' defense has shown thus far, and DeMeco has the benefit of Will Anderson rushing the QB.

Are the struggles on defense more about the roster GM Nick Caserio has put together, or does this slow start fall on DeMeco?

Don't miss the video above as we break it all down!

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And listen to The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein weekday mornings on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM.

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