Joe Espada’s Astros Contract Won’t Be Renewed as Manager Makes Surprising Choice

Joe Espada won’t return as Astros manager in 2027, but he has made a surprising decision after learning his contract won’t be renewed.

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada (19) Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Imaged | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada will not receive a new contract after the 2026 season, but he has decided to remain with the team through the end of the season.

Espada was informed that the organization will not renew his contract for 2027. The team also gave him the option to leave immediately, but Espada chose to continue managing the Astros for the rest of the 2026 campaign.

The decision comes shortly after Houston made a major change in its front office. The Astros announced Monday that they had parted ways with general manager Dana Brown, whose contract was set to expire at the end of the season.

Owner Jim Crane made the decision after a difficult homestand, as Houston lost six of its last eight games against the Athletics, Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners. The Astros then suffered a painful 7-6 loss to the Athletics on Sunday after building a 6-0 lead.

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada. Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Crane believed the team needed major changes if it wanted to keep its playoff hopes alive. Brown learned about the decision Sunday night. The organization announced the move as a mutual parting of ways Monday morning. Brown then left Houston for his home in New Jersey.

Crane will temporarily oversee baseball operations while the Astros search for a new general manager. The changes also put Espada’s future under the spotlight. The manager took over the Astros before the 2024 season, but Houston missed the postseason in 2025 for the first time in nine years.

Despite the decision not to renew his contract, Espada will continue leading the team as it fights for a postseason spot. The Astros entered the latest stretch at 65-66 and remained tied for first place in the American League West.

Espada's decision to stay allows him to finish the season with his players despite knowing that Houston plans to move in a different direction next year. It also allows the Astros to maintain stability on the field while Crane handles the search for a new baseball operations leader.

The organization could also make changes to the manager position during the offseason. With Espada set to leave after the season, the Astros will need to find both a new manager and a new general manager.

The front-office search could include senior advisor and Hall of Fame first baseman Jeff Bagwell. Houston could consider Bagwell if he shows strong interest in the position, while Charles Cook could also receive serious consideration because the organization places a high value on him.