The Houston Astros have named franchise icon Brad Ausmus as their new manager, the team announced Wednesday. Ausmus replaces Joe Espada, whose contract was not renewed after three seasons in which he led the team to the playoffs twice.
Ausmus, 57, expressed excitement about returning to Houston, where he spent 10 of his 18 major league seasons as a catcher, winning three Gold Gloves and earning an All-Star selection in 1999 with the Detroit Tigers. "I am very excited to be back in Houston," Ausmus said. "The Astros and the city of Houston have been a huge part of my life, and I'm thrilled to create a new chapter as the team's manager."
General manager Randy Flores praised Ausmus's leadership and expertise. "We are thrilled to welcome Brad back to the Astros organization," Flores said. "Brad impressed us throughout the interview process, demonstrating the leadership, energy, and expertise critical to driving a winning culture both on and off the field."
Ausmus previously managed the Detroit Tigers (2014-17), guiding them to a 314-332 record and a division title in his first season, and the Los Angeles Angels (2019) to a 72-90 record. His overall managerial winning percentage is .478 over five seasons. Most recently, he served as bench coach for the New York Yankees since late 2023.
The hire is the first major move by Flores, who was named general manager earlier in the offseason. The Astros are coming off a division title and postseason berth in 2026, but finished 81-81 with a negative run differential. The team faces an uncertain future with an aging roster, a weak farm system, and multiple core players entering walk years in 2027.
With Houston's decision, the Los Angeles Angels remain the only team with a managerial vacancy. Other offseason moves include the Philadelphia Phillies retaining Don Mattingly, the New York Mets keeping Andy Green, and the Seattle Mariners replacing Dan Wilson with Jason Kanzler.
