Astros Hire Brad Ausmus as Manager to Replace Joe Espada

The Houston Astros announced late Wednesday morning that they have officially welcomed Brad Ausmus back to the organization, but this time as their manager.

Flores has now made one of the biggest decisions of the offseason by hiring the Astros’ 21st manager, and he can turn his attention elsewhere.

Ausmus was one of four publicly identified candidates who interviewed for the position, alongside Albert Pujols, Morgan Ensberg, and Luis Urueta.

Ausmus actually initially interviewed for Houston’s GM position before conversations shifted toward the managerial opening. In an interesting turn of events, the Astros’ new GM hired him as the manager.

Flores had hoped to finalize the hiring by the end of the week, and he got it done.

Who is Brad Ausmus?

Ausmus is a former Astro. He played parts of 10 seasons with Houston across two stints, and he was the Astros’ catcher during their 2005 World Series appearance.

He previously managed the Detroit Tigers from 2014–2017 and the Los Angeles Angels in 2019. His combined managerial record was 386–422.

Most recently, he was in New York. Ausmus served as the Yankees’ bench coach from 2024 through 2026. Now he will make his way to Houston to help the Astros gear up for the 2027 season.

Ausmus is entering an organization with plenty on its plate. Flores and Ausmus need to finalize the coaching staff and address roster decisions. Between a crowded infield, a thin outfield, a thin pitching rotation, and potentially trading away an Astros favorite to solve the issues, there are lots of decisions to be made. 

But between Flores and Ausmus, can they make the right decisions to ensure 2027 has a different outcome compared to 2026?

People on social media already do not seem thrilled with the idea of bringing Ausmus back, so there is a lot riding on this hire.

Ausmus’ managerial record is below .500, and some fans have questioned whether bringing back another familiar face is the right direction for an organization looking for change.

Ausmus is inheriting a team facing significant roster decisions, and the pressure is on to help guide this organization to a better season than an 81-81 record.

Ausmus will be officially introduced as the Astros’ new manager during a press conference at Daikin Park on Friday.

He last played for the Astros 18 years ago, and now he is being welcomed back on the other side. It will be interesting to see what Ausmus and Flores tackle first as they attempt to get this team ready for 2027.