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Houston Astros split with manager Joe Espada
Houston will search for a new manager after Espada went 256-229 in three seasons and posted an 0-4 playoff record.
On Wednesday, the Houston Astros announced they will not renew manager Joe Espada's contract at month's end, following a two-game sweep by the Chicago White Sox in the Wild Card Playoff.
Espada succeeded manager Dusty Baker after the 2023 season and guided Houston to two American League West titles in three years, including an 81-81 record in 2026—the first playoff team without a winning record.
Overall, Espada compiled a 256-229 record as Houston manager, while slugger Yordan Alvarez won the batting title in 2026, finishing fourth in home runs and fifth in RBI .
Team owner Jim Crane expressed gratitude for Espada's "hard work" and "passion," while the organization parted ways with several coaching staff members. On Tuesday, the Seattle Mariners received permission to interview Espada for their managerial vacancy.
Espada joined the organization in 2018 and remained through the transition following the firing of manager A.J. Hinch, positioning the franchise to rebuild its leadership structure for the 2027 season.