Astros Fire Manager Joe Espada After Three Seasons
Houston formally declines to renew Espada's contract following an 81-81 season and a Wild Card sweep loss to the White Sox.
The Houston Astros announced they will not renew manager Joe Espada's contract, ending his three-year tenure. The team finished 81-81, the worst record ever for a postseason qualifier, and was swept by the White Sox in the Wild Card round. Several coaches including bench coach Omar Lopez, third base coach Tony Perezchica, and assistant pitching coach Ethan Katz will also not return. Pitching coach Josh Miller, hitting coach Victor Rodriguez, and a handful of others have been retained.
More on the Astros wire.
Astros part ways with manager Joe Espada after three seasons
Houston announced it has parted ways with Joe Espada, per MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, with multiple coaching staff changes also announced alongside the departure.
Isaac Paredes knee soreness limited him to DH in Wild Card Game 2, per FanGraphs
Right knee soreness suffered in Game 1 restricted Isaac Paredes to designated hitter only in Game 2, shaping Joe Espada's already-thin bench options, per FanGraphs.
Joe Espada says he wants to return as Astros manager in 2027, contract talks pending
Espada's deal expires after the World Series; per MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, he "absolutely" hopes to stay but has not yet heard from owner Jim Crane.
Astros Face Tough Offseason After Playoff Sweep
Houston's GM hints at roster changes, but a crowded arb class and little salary relief constrain the team's options.
Astros Shuffle Lineup for Game 2, Alvarez Moved to Outfield
Houston benched Taylor Trammell amid a 1-for-32 slump, triggering a chain of lineup adjustments that put DH Yordan Alvarez in left-center field.
Jason Alexander outrighted to Triple-A after clearing waivers with Houston
The Astros outrighted right-hander Jason Alexander to Triple-A after he cleared waivers following a DFA; he can accept or elect free agency, per MLB Trade Rumors.