Astros' Loss to White Sox Could Trigger Major Change: Report

Houston Astros owner Jim Crane reportedly revealed on Monday that the team's playoff berth will be taken into account when deciding the future of manager Joe Espada, whose contract expires post-season. Following the Astros' loss to the Chicago White Sox in the American League wild-card series, the organization fired general manager Dana Brown in August. However, this decision came before the Astros finished the season with an 81-81 record, ultimately being eliminated by the White Sox at home.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that Crane will likely consider changing managers only after the Astros' season concludes. Once the 2025 season was over, Espada, who has managed the Astros for three seasons, was left without any guarantees about his position.

Espada was in a precarious situation even before the season began. The firing of Dana Brown in late August only escalated the situation. According to Rosenthal, it seemed increasingly likely that with Crane's decision to let Espada's contract expire, his successor would have the freedom to hire a new manager for the 2027 season and beyond.

As a result, Astros manager Espada, 51, may have several options if the organization chooses to part ways with him. He led the team to a 256-229 record and two division titles during his tenure. Additionally, he was a finalist for the American League Manager of the Year award for the last two seasons. Despite these achievements, the Astros failed to win a playoff game under Espada, having been swept by the Detroit Tigers in the 2024 AL Wild Card series.

Several other Major League Baseball teams, such as the Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Angels, are currently seeking new managers. If any of these teams show interest in hiring Espada, he may soon become available.