For the second consecutive season, Houston Astros owner Jim Crane crossed into what had previously been unfamiliar territory, exceeding the luxury tax in pursuit of a playoff spot. Never in the first 12 years of his ownership tenure had Crane paid penalties for crossing the threshold.

Doing it during the past two seasons has yielded zero postseason wins, a disappointing return on Crane’s atypical investment. Whether that will change how Crane operates his payroll for next season is a pertinent question prior to a fascinating offseason.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6701261/2025/10/09/houston-astros-payroll-breakdown-2026/