Réquiem por un equipo: Houston Astros

Baseball Prospectus writer Patrick Dubuque presents a satirical obituary marking the end of the Houston Astros' competitive era and their 2026 campaign. Framed as a traditional eulogy, the piece reflects on the franchise's decline following years of contention in the American League West. Dubuque humorously recounts the team's figurative demise on September 30, 2026, while recounting their sixty-four-year history dating back to their founding in April 1962.

The piece highlights significant setbacks leading to the franchise's downfall, including the departure of pitching ace Framber Valdez and an expensive fifty-four million dollar middle reliever signing. Dubuque also points out key organizational departures, notably general manager Dana Brown leaving late in the summer, alongside mounting injuries and roster turnover, leaving owner Jim Crane to oversee the franchise's transition.