How growing skepticism of Houston Astros front office is only part of the story

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How growing skepticism of Houston Astros front office is only part of the story
The Astros need Kyle Tucker more than ever.Composite Getty Image.

As the Astros approach the home stretch of the season, it's become clear that they really miss the pop that Kyle Tucker provides in the middle of the lineup.

They were able to get by without Tucker for a while, but now the offense is really feeling his loss. Especially when it comes to power numbers.

And while fans certainly miss Tucker's contributions on the field, what's going on behind the scenes really has people perplexed.

Why is a bone bruise taking so long to heal? Tucker has been out since injuring his leg on June 3, and the club can't share a date we should expect him to return. SportsMap's Charlie Pallilo posted this on X two days ago.

Deep bone bruises can keep players sidelined for significant periods of time, especially when swelling occurs around the knee. But the Astros' reputation for not being forthcoming with injury details have some fans and media rightfully skeptical.

Case in point. How long did it take for the organization to admit Justin Verlander needed Tommy John surgery a few years back?

Being upfront about injuries is only part of it

The Jose Abreu saga is a perfect example. Anyone with eyes could see that Abreu just couldn't cut it anymore in the big leagues. Yet, Jeff Bagwell and Joe Espada were telling us how much better he looked at the Florida Complex League and spreading the “back of the baseball card” nonsense that upset the entire fanbase.

The point being, if they misrepresented the Abreu situation in some people's eyes, why would things be any different with Tucker?

Personally, I think Tucker's extended absence is just bad luck. But it's hard to give them the benefit of the doubt when every injury update seemingly involves some type of “discomfort.”

Looking ahead

At this point, whether his injury was misdiagnosed or the club kept quiet about the severity of the injury really doesn't matter. We'll probably never know the full story, and the most important thing is Tucker returns to the team ASAP and fully healthy.

Blame Game

Who deserves the heat for the team's approach to free agency before the season?

Have the Astros learned from their mistakes (Abreu, Rafael Montero) while operating without a GM?

And do they already regret the Josh Hader contract?

This is one video you don't want to miss as we try to get to the bottom of the Tucker situation, examine who's the final decision maker in the club's front office, and so much more!

Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.


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Who can the Astros turn to? Composite Getty Image.

In Houston, the winning standard has been set so high that anything short of World Series contention now feels like failure. And yet, the 2025 Astros find themselves at an unfamiliar crossroads—caught between the fading brilliance of past stars and the uncertain promise of what comes next.

Jose Altuve is at the center of this issue. His early struggles (-0.5 WAR) may indicate more than just a temporary slump. And when he swung at the first pitch after Lance McCullers had just endured a grueling 33-pitch inning on Sunday, it raised a bigger question: who has the influence to talk to Altuve?

The Astros’ culture has long been praised for its accountability, but who inside the clubhouse has the standing to challenge or counsel Altuve or other vets when needed? With so many veteran voices gone, there’s a growing sense that no one does—and that’s a problem. That’s why the idea of bringing back Michael Brantley—not as a player, but as a respected voice—could make some sense. Brantley was always viewed as a quiet leader, and his presence could restore some of the guidance this roster desperately needs.

Batter up?

While the Astros have built a reputation for reviving pitchers' careers, their track record with hitters is far less impressive. There are few, if any, examples of a bat joining Houston and unlocking a new level. That failure in development becomes especially stark when considering how much they’re currently leaning on homegrown youth.

Which brings us to Zach Dezenzo. The 24-year-old rookie is showing he belongs—his .737 OPS makes him one of the more productive bats in a lineup that desperately needs stability while Yordan Alvarez nurses an injury. While Victor Caratini provides the Astros with the ability to switch hit, he's hitting just .217. Dezenzo should be starting every day in left, with Yordan out. Jose Altuve, who has already played too many innings this year, should be shifted to DH duties to ease his physical burden. The Astros should go with Cam Smith in right and keep Jake Meyers in center to round out the outfield.

GM Dana Brown has made clear that he views Dezenzo as a first baseman or left fielder for the future. So why not get him in the lineup while Yordan's out and see what he can do with consistent playing time?

Of course, losing Yordan Alvarez is always going to hurt. But the numbers tell a surprising story. Yordan currently holds a -0.4 WAR, right there alongside Altuve and Christian Walker as the only Astros with negative marks. On paper, the team hasn’t lost much production. But let’s not kid ourselves—Yordan’s mere presence alters how opponents pitch to this team. The lineup without him lacks fear factor, and the margins get razor-thin.

Speaking of margins, one move that may haunt this front office is the decision to sign Christian Walker. The veteran first baseman is hitting just .205 with a .617 OPS—far below the level expected from a player earning $20 million annually through 2027. Compare that to Jon Singleton, who posted better numbers in 2024 and currently boasts an .880 OPS in Triple-A with the Mets organization. Walker's defense is strong, but it's hard to argue that justifies the price tag. Singleton might not be a Gold Glover, or anything close, but he came much cheaper and was quietly more productive with the bat.

No regrets?

There’s also a broader question looming: if fans had known that Altuve’s massive contract extension would potentially cost the team the ability to re-sign current MVP candidates Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman, would they still have supported the deal? Hindsight is cruel, but with Altuve’s decline and Tucker and Bregman thriving, it’s a fair debate. Houston might have paid for the past instead of securing its future.

Big deals on the horizon?

All eyes now turn to owner Jim Crane. This winter, Houston's payroll will have considerable room to maneuver. But will Crane commit to restocking the lineup with All-Star-caliber bats, or will his reluctance to offer long-term deals keep the Astros stuck in a holding pattern? It’s one thing to let players walk. It’s another to fail to replace them.

The Astros still have the bones of a contender, but the road back to dominance is getting steeper. The team can’t simply rely on what used to work. It’s time for difficult conversations, bold lineup changes, and a rethinking of how this organization develops—and retains—offensive talent.

We have so much more to get to. Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!

The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday!

*ChatGPT assisted.

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