Joe Espada Seeks Return to Houston Astros as Contract Expires

Following a 7-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox that eliminated Houston from the postseason, manager Joe Espada confirmed he wants to return in 2027.

Manager Joe Espada’s contract with the Houston Astros expired on Wednesday following a 7-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card series. The defeat completed a two-game sweep and marked Houston’s ninth consecutive postseason loss at home. Despite the elimination, Espada stated he "absolutely" wants to return to the team next season. The Astros finished the regular season with an 81-81 record, winning the AL West for the fifth time in six years and becoming the first team in MLB history to reach the playoffs without a winning record.

Espada has served as Houston’s manager for the last three seasons, compiling a 256-229 overall record. He previously spent 2018 through 2023 as the team's bench coach. Owner Jim Crane indicated on Monday that he intends to hold discussions with Espada to determine the future of the position. The organization is currently without a general manager after firing Dana Brown in August, with responsibilities currently split between three assistant general managers and special adviser Jeff Bagwell.

During the Wild Card round, Houston lost Game 1 by a score of 6-3 before the season-ending four-run defeat on Wednesday. The loss leaves Espada without a postseason win as a manager. Second baseman Jose Altuve praised Espada's leadership following the game, noting the manager did everything possible to keep the team winning through a season marked by multiple injuries. Star slugger Yordan Alvarez, a favorite for the MVP award, declined to comment on his preference for the managerial role, stating he does not control those decisions.