Joe Espada is out as Astros manager after three seasons. The team announced it will not bring him back in 2027, despite winning two AL West titles during his tenure.
Espada took over in Houston after the 2023 season and delivered back-to-back division titles in 2024 and 2025. That track record wasn't enough to keep him in the job. The Astros are moving in a different direction, though they haven't yet named a replacement.
This is a notable move for a franchise that had stability at the position for years. The decision suggests the front office sees room for improvement despite the division success. Whether Espada lands elsewhere quickly or the Astros' choice pays off remains to be seen, but for now, Houston's managerial search is underway heading into the offseason.