The Houston Astros announced on Wednesday that Joe Espada will not be returning as the team’s field manager in 2027. Brian McTaggart of MLB.com was the first to report the development. This ends Espada’s three-year tenure at the helm of the Astros, where he won a pair of AL West division titles. The club also announced several changes to its coaching staff. Catching instructor Tim Cossins, game-planning coach Tommy Kawamura, third-base coach Tony Perezchica, assistant hitting coach Anthony Iapoce, and assistant hitting coach Ethan Katz will also not return next season.
Statement from Jim Crane
“We are thankful for Joe’s hard work, his passion for the game, and for his commitment to the Houston Astros,” Astros owner Jim Crane said in a statement. “He represented the Astros and the Houston community in the most positive way. We wish he and his family the best moving forward.”
Returning Staff in 2027
The Astros are not, however, replacing everyone amid Joe Espada’s departure. Pitching coach Josh Miller, first-base coach Dave Clark, field coordinator Jason Bell, hitting coach Victor Rodriguez, and bullpen catcher Javier Bracamonte will all be returning next season.
The Astros also offered bench coach Omar López an opportunity to remain in the organization in a new role. López, who led Venezuela to the World Baseball Classic championship in March, completed his 28th season with the Astros. He has been on the major league staff since the shortened 2020 campaign.
Espada’s Time with the Astros
Joe Espada was hired by the Astros as bench coach days after they won the 2017 World Series. He replaced Alex Cora. When Dusty Baker retired following the 2023 season, Espada was promoted to the managerial position, with big shoes to fill considering their previous two managers each won a World Series title and multiple AL pennants.
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In 2026, the Astros reached the postseason for the ninth time in ten years despite an 81–81 record that was good enough to win the American League West. However, it also exposed the flaws of a roster that lacked pitching depth. The Astros used a club-record 19 starting pitchers and led the AL with 650 walks. They also had one of the worst offensive outfields in club history (.662 OPS).
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