ASTROS' 2026 OUTLOOK: Financial Tightrope and Roster Reshaping Houston Astros face crucial decisions as they balance financial constraints with championship aspirations for 2026 and beyond. Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey dissect the team's payroll situation, exploring potential moves to stay under the luxury tax threshold while remaining competitive. The hosts analyze key players like Christian Walker and Isoc Paredes, debating trade scenarios and their impact on the team's future. Front office strategy takes center stage as they examine Dana Brown's influence on the organization's philosophy and player development approach. With pitching needs looming large, the duo weighs options for bolstering the rotation and bullpen. Tune in for expert insights on how the Astros can set up their next championship core while making smart financial decisions. In this episode, Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey break down the latest developments around Major League Baseball’s 2026 Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) and how they affect the Houston Astros’ payroll strategy. They’ll walk through how the Astros have navigated their past CBT liabilities, and estimate how much “room” they might realistically have under the 2026 threshold. Expect a discussion on roster construction, focusing on which free agents or extensions are viable or prohibitive under different CBT scenarios. They’ll probe key decisions the Astros front office must face: do they lean into a “win-now” push, or prioritize cost control and flexibility? Along the way, real contract comparables and projections will be used to stress test whether Houston can add another big bat or starter without tipping over. It’s a deep dive that blends numbers, strategic foresight, and franchise identity — perfect for listeners wanting to understand not just what the Astros can do, but what they should do under 2026’s financial constraints. Locked On Astros is a daily podcast about the Houston Astros, hosted by Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey. It is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Be sure to subscribe to Locked On Astros on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Come back every weekday to spend your commute listening to the latest Astros news and notes. Thanks for listening, and tell your friends! We now have a YouTube channel, so go subscribe to that and help us reach 20k subscribers! / @lockedonastros https://linktr.ee/LockedOnAstros Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOAstros?sid=Y... Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB #Astros #HoustonAstros #MLB Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rugiet Ready to level up your confidence ? Head to https://rugiet.com and use promo code LOCKEDONMLB for 15% off your first order. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at https://monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
