Astros Will Not Renew Joe Espada’s Contract

The Houston Astros will not renew manager Joe Espada’s contract, ending his three-season tenure after the team won the American League West but was swept in the 2026 Wild Card Series. The Astros announced the decision on October 14; Espada’s contract expires at the end of October. Espada compiled a 256-229 regular-season record from 2024 through 2026, winning division titles in 2024 and 2026. Houston finished 81-81 this season, then lost both games of its Wild Card series against the Chicago White Sox. The Astros also missed the postseason in 2025. The club has not publicly specified why it chose not to renew Espada’s contract. His postseason record as manager was 0-4: Houston was swept by the Detroit Tigers in 2024 and by Chicago this year. Those results and the team’s 2026 season provide context for the decision, but do not establish the Astros’ stated reasoning. Houston also announced 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 pitching coach Ethan Katz will not return.