GM Chris Young defends Rangers, rips 'classless' post by reporter - ESPN

Texas Rangers general manager Chris Young defended his team's postseason-clinching celebration, saying he thinks it is «ridiculous that that's even a subject» and ripping a Houston Astros reporter's «pretty poor journalism» for a «classless» comparison of the in-state rivals' celebrations.

Young weighed in on what has become a hotly debated topic in the Lone Star State during an interview on 105.3 The Fan on Monday, one day after the Rangers squandered their American League West division lead to the Astros on the final day of the season.

«I find it ridiculous that that's even a subject, honestly,» Young said. «This is the most professional, responsible group of players that I've ever been around. We had a very subdued champagne popping, but beyond that there was, there was no partying. There was nothing outlandish.»

The Rangers (90-72) secured their first postseason appearance since 2016 with a 6-1 victory Saturday over the Mariners and needed another win Sunday or a loss by the Astros (90-72) to win the division title.

But 24 hours later, Texas' 1-0 loss to Seattle coupled with Houston's 8-1 victory over the Diamondbacks handed the division crown to the Astros, who did not miss a chance to jab at the Rangers with multiple posts on their official social media accounts.

One Astros post to social media platform X included the caption, «We celebrate titles in Houston,» with a video of third baseman Alex Bregman telling his teammates, «A lot of people were wondering what it was going to be like if the Stros didn't win the division. I guess we'll never know.»

The Astros were more muted in their postgame celebration Saturday, when they held a clubhouse champagne toast after clinching a postseason spot but were still chasing