Crush City Territory: A Houston Astros Podcast

The Astros are interviewing longtime nemesis Albert Pujols for their managerial vacancy. Pujols has long stated his desire to manage — but has never done it as any level. Is he the right choice for Houston? Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss the Astros' ongoing managerial search which includes Pujols, Morgan Ensberg, Luis Urueta and Brad Ausmus.Shop Crush City Merch: https://crushcityterritoryshop.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Astros general manager Randy Flores introduced himself to the city during a press conference on Monday morning alongside owner Jim Crane. Flores flashed charisma, charm and showed he was in full control of the room and his message. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Flores' first impression, the questions Crane answered and muse where the Astros go from here in the Flores era.Shop Crush City Merch: https://crushcityterritoryshop.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros surprised some in their organization and most of their fanbase by hiring Randy Flores as their new general manager. Flores is a longtime Cardinals executive who has a lot of work to do in little time. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Flores' hire and what happened with Brewers executive Matt Kleine, who had been the Astros' leading candidate.Shop Crush City Merch: https://crushcityterritoryshop.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Series is over, the offseason has begun and the Astros still do not have a general manager. Might that soon change? Milwaukee Brewers executive Matt Kleine has emerged as a serious front runner for the job. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss where things stand with Kleine and the rest of Houston's search for a general manager before analyzing the news that Tatsuya Imai has opted in to his $18 million contract for the 2027 season. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountShop Crush City Merch: https://crushcityterritoryshop.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros still need both a general manager and manager, but also must grapple with the impending loss of their setup man, reliable southpaw reliever and only trade deadline acquisition. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the five players who won't return to the 2027 Astros, including longtime setup man Bryan Abreu, left-hander Steven Okert, backup catcher Christian Vázquez and center fielder Daulton Varsho. Will shortstop Jeremy Peña or Isaac Paredes join that list?Shop Crush City Merch: https://crushcityterritoryshop.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are at least seven known candidates for the Astros' vacant GM job — and a resolution could be coming soon. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the candidates who've interviewed with Jim Crane, a possible timeline for Crane's decision, Matt Kleine's well-chronicled walk on a red carpet and the commonalities shared by all of the people vying for this fascinating job. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountShop Crush City Merch: https://crushcityterritoryshop.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Hennigan left his role as the Astros' offensive coordinator in early August for a spot on Wake Forest's coaching staff. Hennigan joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss his decision to leave and his time spent with the 2026 Astros, including insight on Yordan Alvarez, Cam Smith, Jose Altuve and the strides the Astros can make heading into a fascinating 2027 season.  Ready to save time and win more jobs? For a limited time only, our listeners get 50% OFF their first 3 months at HousecallPro.com/FOUL #ad Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountShop Crush City Merch: https://crushcityterritoryshop.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros made the inevitable official on Wednesday, parting ways with manager Joe Espada after three seasons as Houston's skipper and nine in the organization. The decision leaves Houston without a manager or general manager, but the search for a GM is picking up steam. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome react to Espada's dismissal, remember his tenure and discuss what's next for a franchise that remains in flux.  Ready to save time and win more jobs? For a limited time only, our listeners get 50% OFF their first 3 months at HousecallPro.com/FOUL #adShop Crush City Merch: https://crushcityterritoryshop.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros finished 2026 with the second-most walks in baseball, the sixth-highest ERA in the sport and a pitching staff shrouded with uncertainty. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome break down what went right for the pitching staff, what went wrong and what the new baseball operations department must ponder when piecing together the 2027 roster. Among the questions: should the team shop Josh Hader? Are both Peter Lambert and Hayden Wesneski reliable? Will Tatsuya Imai opt into his contract?Shop Crush City Merch: https://crushcityterritoryshop.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eight days after their season ended, the Houston Astros are still shrouded in silence. The future of manager Joe Espada remains in flux, as does the team's search for a new general manager. Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss the state of the organization, the difficult decisions ahead for both Yordan Alvarez and Jose Altuve as well as the future of shortstop Jeremy Peña. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountShop Crush City Merch: https://crushcityterritoryshop.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.