The Houston Astros decided to promote from within the organization to hire their new manager. Following the retirement of Dusty Baker, the Astros have named Joe Espada to the top job. Previously, Espada had been the Astros bench coach since the 2018 season. Before joining the Astros coaching staff, Espada served as the third base coach for the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins. In the past, Espada has interviewed for multiple managerial openings without receiving the job. The team held a press conference at Minute Maid Park in Houston to introduce Espada as their new manager on Monday. Astros owner Jim Crane allowed general manager Dana Brown to be in charge of the hiring process.
Joe Espada talks for the first time as the Astros manager ⭐️
(via @SpaceCityHN)pic.twitter.com/6T5LNQs245
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 13, 2023
Astros Promote From Within For a New Manager
With this move, Espada becomes the 20th full-time manager in Astros history. This hire allows for continuity for the Astros organization following the retirement of Baker. The promotion of Espada by the Astros has been widely expected since Baker made his announcement. As bench coach for the past six seasons, Espada has played a key role in the Astros’ continued playoff success. Espada will have to fill the now-open bench coach position. After reports that Astros third base coach Gary Pettis was going to join the Los Angeles Angels coaching staff, Espada convinced Pettis to stay with the Astros. This is huge for an incoming manager to maintain as much of the current staff as possible.
Espada has previously managed in the minor leagues, but this will be his first major league managerial job. During his time as a player, he was with seven different organizations but did not reach the major leagues. Drafted in the second round by the Oakland Athletics in 1996, Triple-A was the highest level reached by Espada during his 10-season playing career in the minors. The Astros hope that Espada can continue the successful run the franchise is currently on. With Espada on the coaching staff, the team has a World Series championship in 2022 as well as World Series appearances in 2019 and 2021. Houston has reached the ALCS every season that Espada has been on the coaching staff.
Photo Credit: © Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
