HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Astros have hired former New York Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus as their new manager, general manager Randy Flores announced Wednesday.
Ausmus, 57, returns to the organization where he spent 10 of his 18 major league seasons as a catcher. He replaces Joe Espada, whose contract was not renewed after Houston was swept by the Chicago White Sox in the American League wild-card series.
"I am very excited to be back in Houston," Ausmus said in a statement. "The Astros and the city of Houston have been a huge part of my life, and I'm thrilled to create a new chapter as the team's manager."
Ausmus, who will be formally introduced Friday, has previously managed the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels. He compiled a 386-422 record over five seasons as a major league manager.
His first managerial opportunity came with Detroit in 2014, when he led the Tigers to a 90-72 record and the AL Central title. Detroit was swept by the Baltimore Orioles in the AL Division Series that season.
Ausmus managed the Tigers from 2014 to 2017, finishing with a 314-332 record. He later managed the Angels in 2019, going 72-90 in his lone season with the organization.
Most recently, Ausmus served as Yankees manager Aaron Boone's bench coach, a position he has held since 2024.
"We are thrilled to welcome Brad back to the Astros organization," Flores said in a statement. "Brad impressed us throughout the interview process, demonstrating the leadership, energy, and expertise critical to driving a winning culture both on and off the field."
Houston also interviewed former MLB star Albert Pujols for the managerial vacancy.
The Astros are coming off an unusual 2026 season in which they finished 81-81 but still captured the AL West championship for the fifth time in six years.
Houston became the first team in major league history to reach the postseason without a winning record in a non-shortened season.
Despite the team's struggles, slugger Yordan Alvarez put together an impressive campaign, winning the AL batting title with a .316 average while hitting 42 home runs and driving in 106 runs.
Injuries also played a significant role in Houston's season. Infielder Carlos Correa did not play after May 4, shortstop Jeremy Peña spent multiple stretches on the injured list, pitcher Hunter Brown missed more than three months, and All-Star closer Josh Hader did not make his season debut until June 3.
Ausmus played catcher for Houston from 1997 to 1998 and again from 2001 to 2008, winning three Gold Glove Awards during his time with the franchise.
He also played alongside Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell, who currently serves as a senior adviser to Astros owner Jim Crane.
Ausmus previously interviewed for Houston's managerial vacancy in 2020 and its general manager position in 2022.
Beyond his managerial experience, Ausmus has held several front-office positions. He served as a special assistant to baseball operations for the San Diego Padres from 2011 to 2013 and as a special assistant to the Angels' general manager in 2018.
During his 18-year playing career with the Padres, Tigers, Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers, Ausmus appeared in 1,971 games, batting .251 with 80 home runs, 607 RBIs and 718 runs scored.
He was also selected to the American League All-Star team in 1999.
Ausmus will now be tasked with returning Houston to postseason contention as the Astros look to rebound from their early playoff exit.
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