Join Eric and Brett for the Locked On Astros podcast as the Astros are rumored to be close to bringing in a new hitting coach. Houston Astros tap Victor Rodriguez as their new hitting coach, bringing a contact-first philosophy that could revolutionize an offense that scored three runs or fewer in half their games last season. Can Rodriguez's approach—which produced baseball's lowest strikeout rate with the Padres—fix the Astros' second-highest chase rate and transform struggling hitters? Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey break down Rodriguez's 29-year coaching career and his emphasis on making contact over launch angles. The discussion covers Jose Altuve's aggressive tendencies, Yainer Diaz's regression, Jeremy Pena's plate discipline, and Yordan Alvarez's injury-plagued campaign. Key statistics reveal the Astros needed just four runs to win most games, highlighting their offensive limitations despite historically low strikeout numbers. The hosts analyze potential roster additions including Jorge Polanco and Pete Alonso, examine why the team led baseball in double plays, and project how Rodriguez's philosophy shift could impact the 2026 season. With health and a new approach, could the Astros offense finally reach its ceiling? 0:00 Intro 0:38 Victor Rodriguez as new hitting coach 4:09 Astros need more patient aggressive approach 9:31 Jordan Alvarez health concerns and struggles 18:07 Potential free agent targets and roster moves 26:28 Pete Alonso discussion and offensive outlook Tune in for complete statistical breakdowns and player-by-player analysis of Houston's offensive transformation. Locked On Astros is your daily Houston Astros podcast, hosted by Eric Huysman and Brett Chancey. As part of the Locked On Podcast Network, we bring you the latest Astros news, in-depth game analysis, player updates, and exclusive insights — every single weekday. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, stay connected with everything happening in Astros baseball. Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, never to miss an episode. 🎧 Subscribe today and make Locked On Astros part of your daily routine — perfect for your commute, workout, or coffee break. 📺 We’re growing fast on YouTube — help us reach 20,000 subscribers by subscribing now and joining the best Houston Astros community online! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9fXhBb2-ZTiPwk7WNwYjzQ https://linktr.ee/LockedOnAstros Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOAstros?sid=YouTube Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB #Astros #HoustonAstros #MLB Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rugiet Ready to level up your confidence ? Head to https://rugiet.com and use promo code LOCKEDONMLB for 15% off your first order. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at https://monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
