The Houston Astros are seemingly on the cusp of major changes.
While there has been plenty of focus on Dusty Baker’s future, the Astros’ manager is not the only member of their leadership group that is at the end of their contract. General manager James Click is also signed through the end of this season, leaving the future of the organization in question.
Houston Astros expect to keep brain trust around
That should not be the case for long. According to Mark Berman of Fox 26 KRIV, team owner Jim Crane said that both contracts will be addressed after the season since he does not want that to be a distraction at this point.
Until then, speculation will continue. Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reported that Click’s future has been in question. There is the belief that he in particular will need a deep run in the postseason to remain with the team beyond this year.
Both Baker and Click came to the Astros under difficult circumstances. They were brought in following AstroGate, tasked with keeping the team steady throughout that turmoil. It is safe to say that they have done exactly that, reaching the postseason in each of the past three years. While they fell short in the World Series last year, it is safe to say that both have, at minimum, met expectations in keeping the Astros in the postseason.
There is no real reason to expect that a change will be forthcoming. Crane had waited until after the season to extend Baker in the past and simply appears to be following that same path here. While there is the risk that another team could swoop in and add either Baker or Click, this is what the Astros do. Speculation as to their futures may be much ado about nothing.
The Houston Astros manager and general manager are both in the final weeks of their contracts. That does not mean changes are coming.