The Apex Times
Above the Noise
Scores
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
Back to front
Astros decide not to renew Joe Espada’s contract, ending his run as manager
The Apex Times

THE APEX TIMES

Sports/The Apex Times/Oct 14, 11:38 AM EDT

Astros decide not to renew Joe Espada’s contract, ending his run as manager

Houston will not bring Joe Espada back for the 2027 season. The club’s statement also outlines which major-league coaches are retained or set to depart after the 2026 staff.

By The Apex Times Newsroom1 min readAI-assisted Apex article

Houston will not renew manager Joe Espada’s contract, ending his tenure as the club’s manager. The Astros said Espada’s deal was set to expire at the end of October.

Espada served as Houston’s bench coach from 2018 to 2023 before taking over as manager beginning with the 2024 season. In his three seasons at the helm, Houston posted a 256-229 regular-season record and reached the postseason Wild Card round twice, according to the team.

Owner Jim Crane said the Astros were thankful for Espada’s work and how he represented the organization and Houston community, adding that the team wishes him and his family well moving forward.

Alongside the managerial change, the Astros announced Major League staff decisions for 2027. Pitching Coach Josh Miller, First Base Coach Dave Clark, Major League Field Coordinator Jason Bell, Hitting Coach Victor Rodriguez, and longtime bullpen catcher Javier Bracamonte are being retained.

The Astros also said Bench coach Omar Lopez has been offered a chance to remain in the organization in a new role. By contrast, the club announced that Catching Instructor Tim Cossins, Game Planning Coach Tommy Kawamura, Third Base Coach Tony Perezchica, Assistant Hitting Coach Anthony Iapoce, and Assistant Pitching Coach Ethan Katz will not return for the 2027 season.

Why It Matters

  • The move changes the Astros’ leadership direction as they prepare for the 2027 season.
  • Because the team also reshaped parts of its coaching staff, the organizational approach to pitching, hitting, and game preparation may shift alongside the manager change.
  • Retaining key coaches while moving on from others suggests the club plans to preserve some continuity even as it rebuilds the broader Major League staff.
  • Bench coach Omar Lopez staying in a different role points to a possible internal reorganization rather than a complete staff turnover.

Sources

Key Facts

  • The Astros will not renew manager Joe Espada’s contract, which is set to expire at the end of October.
  • Espada managed Houston starting with the 2024 season after serving as the team’s bench coach from 2018-23.
  • As manager, Espada compiled a 256-229 record and led the Astros to two Wild Card round appearances, according to the club.
  • Houston retained several members of its 2026 Major League staff for 2027, including Pitching Coach Josh Miller and Hitting Coach Victor Rodriguez.
  • Omar Lopez will be offered a new role to remain with the organization, while Tim Cossins, Tommy Kawamura, Tony Perezchica, Anthony Iapoce, and Ethan Katz will not return for 2027.