The Houston Astros will not renew manager Joe Espada’s contract after three seasons leading the club. His contract expires at the end of October.
The Astros part ways with Joe Espada after a 2026 season that ended with an early playoff exit. Houston also announced that five members of Espada’s coaching staff will not return in 2027.
Astros Part Ways With Joe Espada After Three Seasons
Espada finished his managerial tenure with a 256-229 regular-season record. The Astros reached the American League Wild Card Series twice and won two AL West titles during his three seasons.
Houston promoted Espada from bench coach to manager after Dusty Baker retired following the 2023 season. Espada had served as the Astros’ bench coach from 2018 through 2023.
His nine years with the organization included seven division championships, three American League pennants and the 2022 World Series title.
“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.
Crane added that Espada represented the organization and Houston positively.
Playoff Exit Ends Uneven 2026 Season
The Astros finished the 2026 regular season with an 81-81 record. Houston still captured the AL West championship on the final day of the season.
The division title returned Houston to the playoffs after the team narrowly missed the postseason in 2025. However, the Astros were swept by the Chicago White Sox in the Wild Card Series at Daikin Park.
The loss marked Houston’s second first-round playoff sweep in three seasons. The Astros also extended their home postseason losing streak to nine games.
Houston dealt with injuries to several important players during the season. Still, the club’s decline in regular-season wins and repeated short playoff runs created questions about its direction.
Five Astros Coaches Will Not Return
The Astros also confirmed that five coaches from the 2026 staff will not return next season.
Catching instructor Tim Cossins, game-planning coach Tommy Kawamura and third-base coach Tony Perezchica are leaving the organization’s major league staff.
Assistant hitting coach Anthony Iapoce and assistant pitching coach Ethan Katz will also not return.
Katz and Cossins had joined Espada’s staff before the 2026 season. Iapoce, Kawamura and Perezchica were also part of Houston’s efforts to reshape its coaching operation.
The departures create several vacancies for the next manager and the Astros’ front office to fill.
Astros Retain Several Staff Members
Houston will retain pitching coach Josh Miller, first-base coach Dave Clark and hitting coach Victor Rodriguez for 2027.
Major league field coordinator Jason Bell will also return. Longtime bullpen catcher Javier Bracamonte remains with the organization.
Bench coach Omar López has been offered an opportunity to stay with the Astros in a different role. The team has not provided details about that proposed position.
The Astros’ official announcement did not identify candidates to replace Espada.
Houston Begins Search for New Leadership
The managerial change comes during a broader transition for the Astros. Houston parted ways with general manager Dana Brown in August, leaving two major leadership positions open.
The club has not announced a timetable for hiring either a manager or general manager. The order of those hires could influence how Houston rebuilds its coaching staff and approaches the offseason.
Espada could quickly receive interest from another organization. The Seattle Mariners reportedly received permission to interview him for their managerial opening before Houston announced its decision.
For the Astros, the changes signal a significant reset after another division championship produced a short postseason run. The next leadership team will inherit an experienced roster facing questions about injuries, depth and long-term competitiveness.