Astros decline to renew Espada amid staff overhaul

The Houston Astros announced October 14, 2026 they will not renew manager Joe Espada's contract, which expires at month's end. Espada went 256-229 in three seasons, won AL West titles in 2024 and 2026, and finished 0-4 in the playoffs. Houston's 81-81 mark made it the first MLB team to reach the postseason at .500 or worse before a two-game White Sox sweep in the AL Wild Card. Owner Jim Crane thanked Espada for his hard work, passion, and commitment and wished him and his family well. Espada had said he would absolutely want another season. GM Dana Brown was fired in August 2026. Five coaches return in 2027, Omar Lopez was offered a new role, and five coaches depart. Coverage frames the move differently: left-leaning outlets stress non-renewal of an expiring contract amid a staff overhaul and Mariners interest, while the New York Post calls it dumping Espada to complete a franchise overhaul after a disappointing season. The Astros granted Seattle permission to interview Espada. Whether Houston hires a GM or manager first remains unstated.