Houston Astros part ways with manager Joe Espada after three seasons

The Houston Astros have decided not to renew the contract of manager Joe Espada, ending his three‑year tenure with the club. The organization announced the decision on Wednesday, stating that Espada’s current agreement will expire at the end of the month. Astros owner and president Jim Crane commented, “We are thankful for Joe’s hard work, his passion for the game, and for his commitment to the Houston Astros. He represented the Astros and the Houston community in the most positive way. We wish him and his family the best moving forward.” Espada, 51, compiled a 256‑229 regular‑season record after taking over from Dusty Baker in 2024. Under his leadership Houston captured two American League West titles, in 2024 and 2026, yet the team failed to win a postseason game, posting an 0‑4 record across two playoff appearances. After missing the playoffs in 2025, the Astros returned this year with an 81‑81 record only to be swept by the Chicago White Sox in a two‑game American League Wild Card Series. The move follows Houston’s August departure from general manager Dana Brown as the franchise reevaluates its leadership structure. The Astros confirmed that pitching coach Josh Miller, first‑base coach Dave Clark, hitting coach Victor Rodriguez, major‑league field coordinator Jason Bell and bullpen catcher Javier Bracamonte will remain with the organization through the 2027 season. Bench coach Omar Lopez has been offered a different role within the club, while five other members of the coaching staff will not be retained. Espada could surface as a candidate elsewhere; the Seattle Mariners have been linked to him in their search for a new manager. Houston now faces the task of identifying a replacement while reshaping its baseball operations after a season that concluded with another early postseason exit. Read the full story at Lvsportsnetwork →