As the Astros close the book on the 2025 season, one of the biggest storylines heading into the offseason has been the shakeup within the coaching staff, signaling that the organization is ready to reset and move forward.
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), all of whom 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 the new major-league hitting coach, replacing Snitker and Cintrón.
Rodriguez began his major-league coaching career as an assistant hitting coach for the Boston Red Sox from 2013 to 2017. He then coached for the Cleveland Guardians from 2018 to 2023. Most recently, he served as the hitting coach for the San Diego Padres for the past two seasons.
Rodriguez proved to be a valuable asset with the Padres, helping improve their team batting average from 20th to first in Major League Baseball.
With so many changes happening behind the scenes, the Astros are clearly entering a new phase. After the offensive struggles in 2025, bringing in Victor Rodriguez could be a step in the right direction. As the offseason continues, all eyes will be on how this new coaching staff comes together and what it means for Houston heading into 2026.