Astros fire GM Dana Brown, retain manager Joe Espada

The Houston Astros abruptly parted ways with general manager Dana Brown on Monday, August 24, 2026, while owner Jim Crane confirmed on Tuesday that manager Joe Espada will remain in his role for the remainder of the season. The moves come as the team navigates a competitive playoff race in a weak American League West division.

Brown's dismissal ended his tenure less than five weeks before the end of his fourth season. In a statement, the Astros said his responsibilities will be transitioned to assistant general managers Charles Cook, Gavin Dickey, and Connor Huff, along with senior advisor Jeff Bagwell. Crane will oversee baseball operations during the transition. The firing followed a disappointing 3-6 homestand and was attributed to the team's failure to build a competitive pitching staff, despite the offseason addition of six pitchers to major-league deals. The signing of pitcher Tatsuya Imai was highlighted as a significant disappointment. Brown had also been unable to secure contract extensions for cornerstone players like shortstop Jeremy Peña and failed to retain third baseman Alex Bregman, who departed for the Boston Red Sox.

On Tuesday, Crane addressed reporters before...