Three of the final four teams spend less than the Houston Astros. We dig into the numbers: where Houston's payroll has ranked since 2022, what's coming off the books, and why 2027 already looks tight before the lockout reshapes everything. Then we break down how Milwaukee, Tampa Bay, and Cleveland keep winning on a budget, and which blueprint Jim Crane and the next GM should steal to escape the bad-contract trap. 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, ...