Astros Part Ways With Joe Espada After Three Seasons as Manager

The Houston Astros announced Wednesday that Joe Espada’s contract, which was set to expire at the end of the month, will not be renewed. Espada had served as the club's manager since 2024. He will now be a free agent.

Espada isn't the only one leaving the coaching staff. Omar Lopez was offered another role, and five coaches are being replaced, while four are staying (Josh Miller, Dave Clark, Jason Bell, and Victor Rodriguez).

The Astros had an up-and-down season and fired their former general manager, Dana Brown, back in August.

Espada's contract not being renewed isn't entirely surprising, given the team's constant struggles. Despite the challenges, Espada helped them make the playoffs. However, their record of 81-81 makes that slightly less impressive. Houston finished with the worst record ever for a division winner, and they got swept by the White Sox for a very short playoff run. It was an ugly way to end an ugly season.

Aside from a rough season for the team in general, Espada has an 0-4 record in the playoffs, and the Astros' playoff streak was broken with Espada as manager in 2025. Looking at things closely, Espada has a rough track record with this team.

The Astros will enter the 2027 season with some serious changes. A new manager and several new coaches.

Before looking ahead, here is a look at Espada’s past.

Espada’s career began in 1996 when he was drafted by the Athletics in the second round. He played nine seasons in the minors as a middle infielder. His coaching career began in the Marlins organization as a minor league hitting coach, a field coordinator, and a third base coach. Then he moved on to Houston, but before becoming their manager, he was a bench coach for six years under both Dusty Baker and A.J. Hinch. Then once Baker retired, Espada became their manager in 2024. Now, after just three seasons as the manager, the Astros have decided to part ways with Espada.

So what is next for Espada, and what is next for the team?

Espada was reportedly given permission to interview with the Seattle Mariners. Whether he will make his way to Seattle or another city remains unknown.

As for the team, adjustments will need to be made. After an 81-81 season, the Astros now face the challenge of finding a new manager and building chemistry between the new coaching staff and the players.