Is Dana Brown Ready to Show He is the Right Person to Lead Astros?

Astros fans, where are you on your frustration level with General Manager Dana Brown and this year’s team?

There is no denying that injuries have played a significant role in the Astros’ disappointing season to this point. It’s impossible to ignore the impact of losing key contributors for extended periods of time. Many of us entered this season expecting another division championship run and another successful year for one of baseball’s premier franchises. Instead, we’ve watched a team struggle to meet those expectations.

Both things can be true. The injuries are real, but they also can’t be used as the only explanation or the only solution moving forward.

The bigger question now is what happens when these players return. Will the Astros simply rely on getting healthy, or will they aggressively pursue moves that can improve this roster before it’s too late?

Despite digging themselves into an early hole, the Astros remain within striking distance. Their climb back to relevance has been steady, and they continue working toward getting back above .500, re-entering the Wild Card race, and eventually challenging for the top spot in the American League West. Considering they remain within single digits of first place, the division is far from out of reach.

However, Dana Brown can ill afford to wait until July to begin addressing this roster’s shortcomings.

With players such as Jose Altuve and Josh Hader back in the lineup and others like Yainer Diaz, Christian Javier, and Hunter Brown expected back sometime between now and the end of the month, the Astros will certainly receive a boost. The question is whether that boost alone will be enough.

When you look at the inconsistencies in the starting rotation, though better of late, and the struggles we’ve seen from Bryan Abreu, it’s clear that adding pitching should be a priority. Another arm or two could go a long way toward stabilizing a staff that has been far too unpredictable.

Beyond pitching, the outfield remains a glaring concern. While the infield possesses plenty of offensive firepower and talent, the outfield continues to lack the production and power needed to support a legitimate postseason run. If the Astros expect not only to make the playoffs but also do damage once they get there, additional offensive help in the outfield feels necessary.

The reality is that the clock is ticking for Dana Brown.

As he traverses the final year of his contract, Brown faces increasing pressure to prove he is the right person to lead this franchise moving forward. If he wants to save his job and remain in the good graces of owner Jim Crane, now is the time to be proactive rather than reactive.

The recent addition of LaMonte Wade Jr. is just the latest example of Brown attempting to find value on the margins and catch lightning in a bottle. Sometimes those moves work, but this team may require something much bigger than a low-risk gamble.

Astros fans aren’t accustomed to mediocrity. This city, this fan base, and this organization have spent the better part of the last decade expecting excellence. Championships, playoff appearances, and division titles have become the standard.

Because of that, simply sitting back and hoping health alone fixes everything is not a strategy.

Dana Brown needs to be exploring every possible avenue to improve this roster. The Astros still have time to turn this season into something special, but that window won’t stay open forever. Waiting until the trade deadline may ultimately be waiting too long.

The message is simple: the Astros still have a chance, but action needs to happen now.