Houston Astros Part Ways With Manager Joe Espada

The Houston Astros announced Wednesday they will not renew the contract of manager Joe Espada, continuing a significant organizational overhaul.

The team's decision comes after the Astros made the postseason with an 81-81 record but were eliminated in the Wild Card Series by the Chicago White Sox. Espada's contract is set to expire at the end of the month.

"We are thankful for Joe’s hard work, his passion for the game, and for his commitment to the Houston Astros," team owner Jim 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 also in the process of hiring a new general manager, as former GM Dana Brown was fired in August.

Espada's tenure marked his first managerial role. He was promoted from bench coach after Dusty Baker retired following the 2023 season. Espada had been with the organization since 2018. During his time as manager, the Astros did not win any postseason games, having also been swept in the 2024 Wild Card Series by the Detroit Tigers. The team did not make the postseason in 2025.

The Astros and Seattle Mariners are currently the only two teams in Major League Baseball with open managerial positions. News of Espada's departure follows the Philadelphia Phillies' announcement that they have removed the interim tag from Don Mattingly and signed him to a two-year deal.