Astros Manager Espada Urges Team to Move Past 2025 Struggles

Houston looks to rebound after missing playoffs for first time since 2016

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Houston Astros manager Joe Espada told his players to leave the team's 2025 struggles in the past and focus on the upcoming season. The Astros missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2016, finishing 87-75 and one win short of a postseason berth. Espada said the full roster reported on time with no notable injury concerns, and the team is working to create a functional roster and sort out its pitching staff.

Why it matters

The Astros have been one of the most consistent and successful teams in baseball over the past decade, making the playoffs six times since 2015. Missing the playoffs in 2025 was a disappointment, and the team is looking to bounce back and return to the postseason in 2026.

The details

Espada's message to the team was "Not letting 2025 define who we are. That's pretty much it. Leave that in the past. We are a great team. We learned from the past, we're going to adjust and we're going to move forward." The Astros made fortifying their starting rotation a focus this offseason and hope better health can translate to improvement for an offense that ranked 21st in the majors in runs scored in 2025.

  • The Astros had their first full-squad workout of spring training on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros, looking to lead the team back to the playoffs after they missed the postseason in 2025 for the first time since 2016.

Yainer Diaz

The Astros' catcher who is limited in his running after spraining his left foot in mid-December, but is on track to play in Grapefruit League games.

Josh Hader

The Astros' closer who is still limited to catch play after a bout of biceps inflammation.

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What they’re saying

“Not letting 2025 define who we are. That's pretty much it. Leave that in the past. We are a great team. We learned from the past, we're going to adjust and we're going to move forward.”

— Joe Espada, Manager (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Astros will continue their spring training preparations, with Yainer Diaz and Josh Hader working to get healthy and the team sorting out its roster and pitching staff ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

After a rare missed playoff appearance in 2025, the Astros are determined to put that disappointment behind them and return to their winning ways. With a healthy roster and a focus on improving their pitching and offense, the team is confident they can bounce back and reclaim their spot as one of the top contenders in the American League.