The Houston Astros have been engaged in a widespread search to replace legendary manager Dusty Baker after falling in the American League Championship Series this past season.
Despite considering several candidates from outside of the organization, Houston has opted to promote bench coach Joe Espada to that role, according to multiple media reports.
Espada, 48, had been a candidate for multiple openings throughout the past few years. He now gets the Astros’ gig after serving on their staff since back in 2018.
Prior to his arrival in Houston, Espada served on staffs with the New York Yankees (2015-17) and Miami Marlins (2010-13). He also served as a coach for the Puerto Rican national baseball team in the 2013 and 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Joe Espada as the next Houston Astros manager
Baker had served as the Astros’ manager for the past four seasons, taking over for A.J. Hinch in that role after the entire sign-stealing scandal. His tenure included two trips to the Worlds Series and a championship following the 2022 season.
These certainly as some major shoes for Espada to fill. Espada’s promotion comes after Houston earned a trip to the ALCS, only to fall to the division rival and ultimate World Series champion Texas Rangers. Houston won just 90 games during the regular season. This represented the Astros worst performance since all the way back in 2016.
Houston continues to be legitimate World Series contenders. That’s not going to change heading into the 2024 season. This will create initial pressure on Espada to do his thing.
Espada is the fifth manager hired this winter, joining Craig Counsell (Chicago Cubs), Bob Melvin (San Francisco), Ron Washington (Los Angeles Angels), Carlos Mendoza (New York Mets) and Stephen Vogt (Cleveland).