HOUSTON.- The Houston Astros officially confirmed, through a statement, that they will not renew the contract of manager Joe Espada, who will leave office at the end of October after three seasons at the helm of the team.
The Puerto Rican, Dusty Baker’s successor, recorded 256 wins and 229 losses and led the club to two appearances in the wild card round of the postseason over three years.
“We are grateful for Joe’s hard work, his passion for the game and his commitment to the Houston Astros. He represented the Astros and the Houston community in the most positive way. We wish him and his family the best for the future,” Jim Crane, owner and president of the Astros, said in the letter.
Prior to the wild card series in which the Astros were swept in two games by the Chicago White Sox, Espada was asked a couple of times about his future and the response was similar on both occasions.
“My destiny is not in a game, it is in the hands of the Lord,” commented the now former Astros leader.
“I respect the process and I feel very lucky to have been here for more than nine years and to have experienced so many division titles, Championship Series, World Series, even winning one,” he said. “As an assistant coach, as a manager, I’ve seen a lot of great moments, so obviously I’d like to continue enjoying those moments.”
Next chapter?
One day before Espada’s dismissal was officially announced, several reports in the specialized press announced that the Puerto Rican would be scheduled for an interview for the position of manager of the Seattle Mariners.
The Mariners made it clear, according to MLB.com, after firing Dan Wilson that they intended to hire their new manager outside the organization.
“We need new ideas,” Dipoto said at an end-of-season press conference two weeks ago. “We need something new. It could be a change in programming. It could be a change in message. It could be a change in language. We will collaborate with whoever our future head coach is and try to find the right person.”
Omar López, an option with champion credentials
The Astros also confirmed the continuity of several members of the coaching staff for the 2027 season, including pitching coach Josh Miller, first base coach Dave Clark, Major League field coordinator Jason Bell, hitting coach Víctor Rodríguez and bullpen catcher Javier Bracamonte.
Bench coach Omar López, for his part, was given the opportunity to remain with the organization in a new role, a decision that raises questions about his future within the team.
The Venezuelan knows the structure of Houston, where he has worked since 1999, and has experience as a manager in the Minor Leagues and in Caribbean baseball. In addition, he has just led Venezuela to win its first World Baseball Classic title, a result that reinforces his leadership credentials.
Although the Astros have not announced who will replace Joe Espada, López’s track record, his knowledge of the team and his recent results make him a name to watch in defining the next manager.
In contrast, catching coach Tim Cossins, game planning coach Tommy Kawamura, third base coach Tony Perezchica, hitting assistant Anthony Iapoce and pitching assistant Ethan Katz will not return for next season.
