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Astros fire manager Joe Espada after .500 season, playoff exit

The Houston Astros have dismissed manager Joe Espada following a disappointing 2026 campaign, marking the end of a nine-year tenure that included two division titles in three seasons. Despite reaching the postseason, the team secured just 81 wins and suffered an early exit in the American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox, falling short of expectations.

Espada’s future was already in question after reports emerged that the Astros planned to search for both a new general manager and manager after October 31, with Espada’s contract set to expire at month’s end. Complicating matters, the Seattle Mariners—an AL West rival—have been actively pursuing Espada for their managerial vacancy, with multiple interviews already conducted.

The Mariners, who fired manager Dan Wilson following their own underwhelming season, appear eager to capitalize on Espada’s extensive knowledge of their team’s weaknesses, gained from years of facing them as Houston’s dugout leader.

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