Astros Initiate Major Overhaul, Parting Ways With Manager Joe Espada
The decision follows the earlier dismissal of general manager Dana Brown, signaling a significant organizational reset for the Houston club.
The Houston Astros are not renewing the contract of manager Joe Espada, the team announced Wednesday. This move marks another significant step in a franchise overhaul initiated by owner Jim Crane, coming just months after the club parted ways with general manager Dana Brown.
Espada, who was in his third year as manager, will not return for the 2027 season. The team also announced that five additional coaches will not be retained, though bench coach Omar Lopez has been offered a new role within the organization. Pitching and hitting coaches are among those who will remain with the team.
“We are thankful for Joe’s hard work, his passion for the game, and for his commitment to the Houston Astros,” Crane said in a statement. “He represented the Astros and the Houston community in the most positive way. We wish he and his family the best moving forward.”
The Astros are currently navigating a period of transition after a successful run that included seven consecutive American League Championship Series appearances from 2017 to 2023, resulting in two World Series championships. However, the team has not won a playoff series in Espada’s three seasons at the helm.
Espada took over as manager after serving as the team’s bench coach from 2018 to 2023. His tenure included a Game 7 loss in the 2023 ALCS, a wild-card series sweep by the Tigers in 2024, a season without a postseason berth in 2025, and another wild-card sweep by the Guardians this year.
During Espada's time as manager, the Astros secured two AL West division titles. The team finished the most recent season with an 81-81 record, the lowest win total for a playoff team in a 162-game season, a performance that contributed to Brown's dismissal in late August.
Prior to the official announcement, rumors circulated about potential disagreements over a trade involving reliever Bryan Abreu, which Crane ultimately vetoed. The club had indicated that Crane would oversee baseball operations during the transition period following Brown's departure.
Espada's regular-season record was 256-229, with an 0-4 record in the postseason.