Following the 2025 season, the Astros have implemented some significant changes. One major area of change involves the coaching staff.
Coaching departures post‑2025 include Bill Murphy (pitching coach), Eric Niesen (Director of Pitching), Michael Collins (catching coach), and both Alex Cintrón and Troy Snitker (hitting coaches), who have landed new jobs with the Rangers, Mets, and Pirates.
With Murphy leaving for the Pirates, Niesen accepting a position at his alma mater, Wake Forest University, and Cintrón and Snitker’s contracts not being renewed, what is next for the Houston Astros’ coaching staff?
Starting with new hires, on November 5, Victor Rodriguez joined the franchise as their new major‑league hitting coach, replacing the departed hitting coaches Snitker and Cintrón.
Rodriguez began his major-league coaching career as an assistant hitting coach for the Boston Red Sox from 2013‑2017. He then coached for the Cleveland Guardians from 2018‑2023. Most recently, he was the hitting coach for the San Diego Padres for the last two seasons.
Rodriguez proved to be a valuable asset with the Padres. He helped improve their team batting average from 20th to 1st in the major leagues.
Significant changes are coming for this Houston team, with the departure of four coaches at the end of the regular season, as well as Jeremiah Randall, head athletic trainer, and Andrew Ball, assistant general manager. A new philosophy and strategy are bound to reshape this team. The Astros’ offense struggled in 2025, so Rodriguez could be the addition they need.