GLOBAL MOVE: Astros Land Tatsuya Imai—Houston Makes SURPRISE Signing Splash
Happy New Year, the Astros swing big and land a HUGE ARM! He turned down other clubs with a longer deal. The Astros are playing with the BIG BOYS NOW!Houston Astros shake up MLB free agency by landing Japanese star pitcher Tatsuya Imai, signaling an all-in push for the AL West crown. Can this bold international signing ignite another World Series run? Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey break down Imai’s high-velocity arsenal, his head-to-head win over Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and his record-breaking feats in Japan—including surpassing Daisuke Matsuzaka’s strikeout mark and throwing eight innings of no-hit ball after a minor league stint.Key topics include contract details with player opt-outs, the Astros’ revamped pitching depth with Hunter Brown, Christian Javier, Spencer Arrighetti, and more—plus the rare move into the Japanese market by GM Dana Brown and Jim Crane. The hosts examine the ripple effects on rotation strategy, backup catcher needs, and what this means for Justin Verlander’s potential return. Get ready for a fiery discussion on Houston’s playoff outlook and the evolving identity of the Astros. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Astros’ New Year’s 2026 Resolutions: Health, Discipline & Retaking the AL West
The Houston Astros enter 2026 with one goal: retake the AL West. But after a season plagued by record-setting injuries, poor plate discipline, baserunning mistakes, and inconsistency with runners on base, the Astros have major questions to answer.In this New Year’s Resolution episode of Locked On Astros, we break down the 8 resolutions the Astros must keep to get back on top: • Why injury prevention is the single most important priority • How improved plate discipline and strike-zone control can fix the offense • Why Isaac must be the model of patience at the plate • The need for leadership from Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve • Which young arms (Cole, Smith, Ullola, Blubaugh) must step up • How the Astros can replace Framber Valdez’s innings by committee • Fixing baserunning mistakes that cost games • And why hitting with runners on base will define this seasonThe talent is still there—but execution, health, and accountability will determine whether the Astros reclaim their spot atop the AL West or face another frustrating year.🎧 Subscribe for daily Astros coverage with Locked On Astros—your team, every day.Join the Everydayer Club lockedonastros.supercast.comLocked On Astros is your daily Houston Astros podcast, hosted by Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey. As part of the Locked On Podcast Network, we bring you the latest Astros news, in-depth game analysis, player updates, and exclusive insights — every single weekday.Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, stay connected with everything happening in Astros baseball. Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, never to miss an episode.🎧 Subscribe today and make Locked On Astros part of your daily routine — perfect for your commute, workout, or coffee break. 📺 We’re growing fast on YouTube — help us reach 20,000 subscribers by subscribing now and joining the best Houston Astros community online! / @lockedonastroshttps://linktr.ee/LockedOnAstrosFollow & 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 #MLBSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!RugietReady to level up your confidence ? Head to https://rugiet.com and use promo code LOCKEDONMLB for 15% off your first order.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at https://monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year.GametimeDownload 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.FanDuelToday'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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
NO FLY ZONE: Astros Quietly Building an Elite Outfield?
The Astros still have moves to make, will Jake Meyers anchor an outfield that could sport 2 up and coming Future outfield stars? What pitchers remain that can be real targets.The Houston Astros’ path forward isn’t just about big names — it’s about winning on the margins. In this episode, we break down why Cam Smith and Zach Cole are becoming critical pieces of the Astros’ outfield equation heading into 2026.Cam Smith is already showing real value with his arm strength, defensive reliability, and a bat that projects to be playable at the big-league level. Zach Cole brings a different kind of impact — elite arm talent, athleticism, and tools that can change games late, even as he works through swing-and-miss concerns.We dig into:Why outfield defense and arm strength matter more than everHow Smith and Cole fit the Astros’ roster math and run-prevention philosophySmith will be motivated!What their 2026 projections say about floor vs. upsideWhy Houston doesn’t need stars — just dependable, athletic contributorsIf the Astros are going to stay competitive without overspending, players like Smith and Cole aren’t optional — they’re essential.Join the Everydayer Club lockedonastros.supercast.comLocked On Astros is your daily Houston Astros podcast, hosted by Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey. As part of the Locked On Podcast Network, we bring you the latest Astros news, in-depth game analysis, player updates, and exclusive insights — every single weekday.Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, stay connected with everything happening in Astros baseball. Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, never to miss an episode.🎧 Subscribe today and make Locked On Astros part of your daily routine — perfect for your commute, workout, or coffee break. 📺 We’re growing fast on YouTube — help us reach 20,000 subscribers by subscribing now and joining the best Houston Astros community online! / @lockedonastroshttps://linktr.ee/LockedOnAstrosFollow & 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 #MLBSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!RugietReady to level up your confidence ? Head to https://rugiet.com and use promo code LOCKEDONMLB for 15% off your first order.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at https://monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year.GametimeDownload 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.FanDuelToday'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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Red Sox Target Isaac Paredes, Astros Out on Eduardo Cabrera | What’s Next for Houston?
The trade rumor mill is heating up around the Houston Astros. According to Red Sox insider Alex Speier, Boston’s primary infield targets remain Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, Ketel Marte, Brandon Donovan, and Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes.We break down why Paredes continues to draw interest, how his strong winter league performance is boosting his value, and what a potential trade could mean for Houston’s roster construction moving forward. Plus, the Astros have reportedly stepped away from trade talks for Marlins right-hander Eduardo Cabrera — signaling a shift in how the front office is approaching rotation upgrades.What does all of this tell us about the Astros’ offseason strategy? Could Paredes be the next domino to fall? And where does Houston turn next for pitching help? We cover it all on today’s episode of Locked On Astros.Red Sox spark trade rumors by targeting Isak Paredes, threatening to shift the Houston Astros' offseason plans. With Boston aggressively pursuing infield upgrades like Bo Bichette, Ketel Marte, and Brendan Donovan, Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey weigh the possibilities—will Houston part with their breakout third baseman after his Winter League resurgence, or can Dana Brown balance the roster while keeping their key bat?The hosts break down the Astros’ stance on Edward Cabrera, market dynamics for pitchers like Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez, and the ripple effects on Kyle Tucker’s free agency prospects. Strategic insights highlight Houston’s challenges in solidifying the rotation and unleashing their contact-driven lineup in 2026. Fan questions, trade speculation, and Astros’ New Year resolutions round out a jam-packed show for fans watching both the hot stove and Houston’s championship window.Join the Everydayer Club lockedonastros.supercast.comLocked On Astros is your daily Houston Astros podcast, hosted by Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey. As part of the Locked On Podcast Network, we bring you the latest Astros news, in-depth game analysis, player updates, and exclusive insights — every single weekday.Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, stay connected with everything happening in Astros baseball. Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, never to miss an episode.🎧 Subscribe today and make Locked On Astros part of your daily routine — perfect for your commute, workout, or coffee break. 📺 We’re growing fast on YouTube — help us reach 20,000 subscribers by subscribing now and joining the best Houston Astros community online! / @lockedonastroshttps://linktr.ee/LockedOnAstrosFollow & 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 #MLBSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!RugietReady to level up your confidence ? Head to https://rugiet.com and use promo code LOCKEDONMLB for 15% off your first order.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at https://monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year.GametimeDownload 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.FanDuelToday'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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Astros: Dana Brown Is Searching for a Backup Catcher
Brett and Eric will discuss: Dana Brown needs a backup catcher, so much so they don't think their in house options will be sufficient. So who's out there? We will explore a couple possibilities.Houston Astros pivot toward shoring up their catching depth as GM Dana Brown initiates an urgent search for a backup behind Yainer Diaz. Are Cesar Salazar’s days as the next man up fading, or is a veteran addition inevitable? Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey break down the club’s lack of faith in Salazar and weigh top free agent and trade candidates including Victor Caratini, Jonah Heim, Ryan Jeffers, and Austin Barnes. What skillset does Houston value most—defense, pitch-framing, or experience?Astros’ offseason priorities shift as the front office moves away from starting pitching, zeroing in on the bullpen and backup catcher roles. The hosts debate Houston’s realities: limited options on the market, potential trade targets, and what upgrades are truly attainable. Plus, inside updates on possible three-team deals and the ripple effects of Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and Framber Valdez trade rumors. Can Dana Brown’s next moves keep the Astros atop the AL West? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.