Houston Astros Parting Ways With Manager

HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Astros will not renew manager Joe Espada’s contract when it expires at the end of October, the team announced Wednesday, ending his three-season tenure after two American League West titles.

The decision follows Houston’s two-game sweep by the Chicago White Sox in the AL wild-card series. The Astros also are searching for a new general manager after firing Dana Brown in August.

“We are thankful for Joe’s hard work, his passion for the game, and for his commitment to the Houston Astros,” team owner Jim Crane said in a statement. “He represented the Astros and the Houston community in the most positive way. We wish he and his family the best moving forward.”

Espada, 51, finished with a 256-229 record as Houston’s manager. The Astros had granted the Seattle Mariners permission Tuesday to interview him for their managerial vacancy.

Espada took over after Dusty Baker retired following the 2023 season. In 2024, he guided Houston to its seventh division title in eight seasons after the team recovered from a 12-24 start. The Astros lost in the wild-card round that year.

Houston finished second in 2025 and missed the postseason for the first time since 2016. In 2026, the Astros finished 81-81 but won the division, becoming the first team in major league history to reach the playoffs with a .500 record.

The team also announced changes to its coaching staff, parting ways with catching instructor Tim Cossins, game planning coach Tommy Kawamura, third base coach Tony Perezchica, assistant hitting coach Anthony Iapoce and assistant pitching coach Ethan Katz.

Pitching coach Josh Miller, first base coach Dave Clark, major league field coordinator Jason Bell, hitting coach Victor Rodriguez and longtime bullpen catcher Javier Bracamonte will return in 2027. Bench coach Omar Lopez has been offered an opportunity to remain with the organization in a new role.

Espada joined the Astros in 2018 and remained with the organization after manager A.J. Hinch was fired following the team’s sign-stealing scandal. He later served on Baker’s staff, helping Houston transition to the manager who led the franchise to its second World Series championship in 2022.

Before joining Houston, Espada coached with the Miami Marlins and New York Yankees. He was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 1996 and spent nine seasons in the minor leagues before retiring as a player without reaching the majors.