Crush City Territory: A Houston Astros Podcast

After a sobering sweep at the hands of the Colorado Rockies — and two more significant injuries sustained during it — the Astros are in need of a bounce back at T-Mobile Park against the defending AL West champion Seattle Mariners. Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss how Houston can right the ship, what it may do to stabilize its injury-ravaged pitching staff and the continued impressive approach throughout its lineup. Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros were swept by the cellar-dwelling Colorado Rockies and suffered three substantial injuries to Cristian Javier, Jake Meyers and Hunter Brown. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss how the Astros will navigate the injuries, who will step up for the injured pitchers and how manager Joe Espada may enhance his lineup to score more runs. Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Astros ace and reigning American League Cy Young finalist Hunter Brown is on the injured list with a right shoulder strain — dealing a devastating blow to a rotation without another defined stalwart. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Brown's injury and who must step up in his absence before recapping the Astros' series loss in Sacramento, highlighted by another brutal outing from fill-in closer Bryan Abreu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros start their first road trip of the season with good news: shortstop Jeremy Peña will resume playing back-to-back days. What does that mean for Isaac Paredes? Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the Astros' overcrowded infield, where Paredes fits in to the plans and how Yordan Alvarez playing left field could help to solve the problems. Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros made an early-season statement by sweeping the Boston Red Sox in three games at Daikin Park. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the performances from Yordan Alvarez, Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve; Lance McCullers Jr.'s dominant return to the starting rotation and the new, patient approach Houston's lineup is exhibiting.  Get 10% off your first month of BlueChew Gold with code FOUL at BlueChew.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros walked a franchise-record 28 batters and saw their four starters post a 7.64 ERA ... and somehow salvaged a season-opening split against the Angels. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the inauspicious debuts for Mike Burrows, Cristian Javier and Tatsuya Imai, some encouraging signs from Houston's lineup and what to think of closer Bryan Abreu's difficult weekend.  Enjoy 50% off for life plus Free Shipping AND 3 Free Gifts at MenGoToMars.com Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Much of what plagued the 2025 Astros was on display during the 2026 season-opener. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the Astros' deflating 3-0, Opening Day loss against the Los Angeles Angels. The duo analyzes Houston's disappointing offensive performance, Hunter Brown's uneven afternoon and AJ Blubaugh's eye-opening stint as a reliever. Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.  Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opening Day is here and the 2026 Astros have a lot to prove after missing the playoffs last season. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Houston's new-look starting rotation, the questions surrounding its lineup and the pressure on both general manager Dana Brown and manager Joe Espada — each of whom is in the last year of his contract. If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/Territory Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros' Spring Breakout game made national headlines with a crazy walk-off. Farm director Sam Niedorf joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discusses some of the top participants, including Xavier Neyens, Kevin Alvarez, Walker Janek and James Hicks, before analyzing their next steps in the Astros' farm system. Get 10% off your first month of BlueChew Gold with code FOUL at BlueChew.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brice Matthews is making a case to crack the Astros outfield while Bennett Sousa's oblique injury threw more uncertainty into an already undermanned bullpen. Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss how Houston's bullpen takes shape, whether Matthews has locked himself in to an Opening Day roster spot and the spring training struggles of Jose Altuve and Christian Walker.  Get 10% off your first month of BlueChew Gold with code FOUL at BlueChew.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Astros center fielder Jake Meyers, one of baseball's best defenders and a loyal Nebraska Cornhusker, joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss his offensive breakthrough in 2025, what he hopes to improve upon in 2026, the art of defending in center field, his impressions of Cam Smith and how he handles trade rumors. Start your FOX One 7-day free trial today at https://FOXOne.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Jeremy Peña be ready for Opening Day? What is Brice Matthews' future? And what are some bold predictions for the 2026 Astros? Listeners asked those questions. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome tried to answer them, along with discussing the team's positional flexibility, its murky backup catcher situation and a crucial draft coming up in June. Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Hader will start the season on the injured list — putting career setup man Bryan Abreu into the closer spotlight. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Hader's injury, the importance of this closer audition for Abreu — who is a pending free agent — and the continued success of Tatsuya Imai and Mike Burrows in Grapefruit League play. Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Baseball Classic captivated Houston last weekend. Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick was part of it. He joined Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss a rowdy Team USA-Mexico game at Daikin Park, the atmosphere surrounding it and what has allowed the WBC to become so popular this season. Reddick also discusses his observations from spending a week in Astros spring training as a guest instructor in the outfield. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Start your FOX One 7-day free trial today at https://FOXOne.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeremy Peña fractured the tip of his right ring finger, making the Astros happy they haven't traded Isaac Paredes. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Peña's injury, whether it removes Paredes from the trade block altogether, Houston's reunion with catcher Christian Vázquez and early impressions from the first few games of the World Baseball Classic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros have an untenable infield situation — and FT Senior Insider Ken Rosenthal wrote about it last week. Rosenthal joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss his latest column, which addresses why the Astros need to move Isaac Paredes to make life easier. Stafford and Rome then discuss the upcoming World Baseball Classic and Rome's story about top prospect Xavier Neyens' haircut hobby. Start your FOX One 7-day free trial today at https://FOXOne.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Astros fan favorite Josh Reddick is back in spring training — this time as a guest instructor helping to coach Houston's group of young outfielders. Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss his observations from his first day in camp, what he hopes to see going forward, Brice Matthews' seamless transition to center field and the sentimentality of being back in Astros camp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Seattle Mariners dethroned the Astros last season as American League West champions. Have they overtaken Houston as the team to beat in the division? Longtime Seattle Times beat writer Ryan Divish joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss the Mariners-Astros rivalry, how the two organizations are more similar than one might think and the goals for both teams entering the 2026 season. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grapefruit League games have begun and the Astros' roster is beginning to take shape. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome take a crack at projecting the Astros' Opening Day roster, which will likely not feature All-Star closer Josh Hader and still has uncertainties around the outfield. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Quit overspending on wireless with 50% off Unlimited premium wireless. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/Territory See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A breakout rookie season leaves AJ Blubaugh on the brink of a major role on the Astros' pitching staff. Blubaugh. the first major-league pitcher ever from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss his journey from small-town Bellville, Ohio, his rapid ascent up the Astros' hierarchy and his occasional beekeeping hobby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grapefruit League play is underway and the Astros' outfield remains unsettled. Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick joins The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss the inexperienced group vying for everyday roles, Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai's continued assimilation into the Astros' clubhouse culture, the fallout from MLBPA head Tony Clark's resignation and Reddick's surprise revelation that he'll be a guest instructor in Astros spring training.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Astros ace Hunter Brown joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss the start of spring training, his ascension into one of MLB's best starters, his humble beginnings at Wayne State University and why throwing 100 mph isn't something he's necessarily after. Stafford and Rome also discuss the latest on the Astros' infield surplus, the sudden resignation of MLBPA head Tony Clark and Lance McCullers Jr.'s cryptic first interview of spring training.  Our listeners get 15% off plus free shipping when they buy two or more pairs of prescription glasses at WarbyParker.com/FOUL — using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #adSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome react to Houston's surprising reunion with Joey Loperfido in the salary dump of struggling outfielder Jesús Sánchez and what the financial savings mean for general manager Dana Brown, who made it clear the Astros "are not done yet" addressing their roster. Rome and Stafford then analyze who could be the next Astro to move and discuss Bad Bunny's attempt to insure Carlos Correa for the World Baseball Classic.  Quit overspending on wireless with 50% off Unlimited premium wireless. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/Territory See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the Astros' first spring training workout for pitchers and catchers, which featured news of Josh Hader's bicep injury, Tatsuya Imai's first introduction to the clubhouse and major-league mound, Hunter Brown being named the team's Opening Day starter and general manager Dana Brown's intimation that another trade is looming. Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the Astros' intensified trade talks for third baseman Isaac Paredes, the teams involved and Houston's motivation to move Paredes prior to reporting to spring training next week. The two also discuss Cam Smith's planned center field work in spring training and the search for a backup catcher upgrade over César SalazarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before flying to spring training, Astros pitching coach Josh Miller joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to preview Houston's new-look pitching staff. Miller analyzes the Astros' two biggest additions — Tatsuya Imai and Mike Burrows — while heaping praise on ace Hunter Brown and breaking down the competition for the final spots in the Astros' starting rotation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the Astros' latest pitching acquisition — Kai-Wei Teng from the San Francisco Giants — and how his arrival intensifies competition for the final roster spots in spring training. Then, the two hosts discuss Isaac Paredes' continued availability in trades and the World Baseball Classic insurance controversy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve's absence from the World Baseball Classic and Kyle Tucker's mega-deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers before trying to project the Astros' Opening Day lineup and roster as spring training nears.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss revelations from the Astros' annual FanFest at Daikin Park, including Joe Espada's plans for his overcrowded infield, Carlos Correa's concerns about the team's injury prevention, Spencer Arrighetti's return to the mound and how Cam Smith responded to Dana Brown's offseason challenge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the Astros' outfield uncertainty, their continued trade discussions about Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker – and why dealing one may be their best avenue to supplementing the outfield. Kyle Tucker's mega-deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Ryan Pressly's retirement announcement are also discussed. Quit overspending on wireless with 50% off Unlimited premium wireless. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/Territory See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Astros farm director Sam Niedorf joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss his hiring process, the state of Houston's farm system, new initiatives and ideas Niedorf has for the Astros' player development processes and what his goals are in his new role.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss the Astros' next moves after signing Tatsuya Imai. Could Isaac Paredes or Christian Walker be on the trading block? Might the Red Sox inquire about Paredes after Alex Bregman signed with the Chicago Cubs? The trio discusses all of it, plus Reddick's initial thoughts on Imai's fit in Houston. Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Astros starter Mike Burrows joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss his trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates, his excitement for joining a new team, what he believes the Astros will help him to unlock and his time spent with former Astros pitching coach Brent Strom and Paul Skenes while a member of the Pirates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Tatsuya Imai's introductory news conference and his genuine happiness to be in Houston and attending sporting events before diving into Jim Crane's desire to expand the Astros' footprint in Asia and the Pacific Rim — and what that could mean for future player acquisitions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome react to the Astros' stunning acquisition of Japanese free-agent pitcher Tatsuya Imai, analyze how the deal came to be, what Imai's presence means for the Astros' rotation and what could be next in Houston's unpredictable offseason.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.