Houston Astros Reportedly Make Hire For Open Managerial Post
According to multiple reports, the Houston Astros are expected to hire bench coach Joe Espada as their newest manager. Espada would replace Dusty Baker, who retired at the conclusion of the year.
One report came from Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
The Houston Astros are expected to promote Joe Espada to be their manager on Monday.
We had heard this was a possibility and that Espada was considered a favorite for the position.
If and when this becomes a reality, it immediately becomes a great situation for Espada. Though the Astros lost in Game 7 of the ALCS to the Texas Rangers, they remain one of the best organizations – and teams – in the entire sport.
They are getting older in some spots, there’s no denying that, but guys like Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez remain among the best at their positions in all of baseball. Furthermore, the team will get a full year of Justin Verlander in 2024 (he was traded back to Houston at the trade deadline this year).
The Astros should also get a better full year from veteran Jose Abreu, and Kyle Tucker is also one of the best young hitters in baseball. If there’s one place the Astros need to have concerns about it, it’s their bullpen: Hector Neris is a free agent, as is Ryne Stanek.
The ‘Stros also play in one of the best divisions in baseball. Three teams in the American League West won at least 88 games last year, including the World Champion Rangers.
