Photo via Fox Sports

Astros Decline To Renew Option On Joe Espada, Begin Search For Next Manager

The Houston Astros have made a significant managerial shift by declining to renew Joe Espada’s contract, ending his tenure as the team’s skipper after three seasons. Espada, who took over following Dusty Baker’s retirement in 2023, led the Astros to their first AL West title in 2024 but faced an early postseason exit, losing a Wild Card series to the Chicago White Sox.

Despite a historic playoff run without a winning record, the Astros struggled with injuries and failed to advance beyond the first round. The decision comes amid broader organizational changes, as the team also fired general manager Dana Brown in August and is now searching for both a new manager and GM.

Espada, a 51-year-old veteran coach with a 256-229 managerial record, began his career in the Oakland Athletics’ minor leagues before coaching stints with the Marlins, Yankees, and Astros. His departure marks the end of an era for the franchise, which previously had only one other Latino manager in its history, Preston Gómez.

Up nextMLB· 30m ago

Mets have three Gold Glove finalists, including Carson Benge and Nolan McLean