Inside the Astros

Former Houston Astros Star Joins Yankees Coaching Staff

The New York Yankees have a new coach after signing a former Houston Astro to their coaching staff.
Former Houston Astros Star Joins Yankees Coaching Staff
Former Houston Astros Star Joins Yankees Coaching Staff

In this story:


The Houston Astros are going through a managerial change this offseason after Dusty Baker retired and bench coach Joe Espada was hired to take over the position.

There was some speculation that the New York Yankees might undergo their own change at manager following a disastrous 2023 season that saw them miss the playoffs and finish fourth in the AL East.

However, they decided to keep Aaron Boone and their bench coach took over as the manager of the New York Mets.

Following a long search, the Yankees have hired former Astros star player Brad Ausmus to take over that role for the 2024 season.

New York originally took him in the 48th round of the 1987 MLB Draft. After five years within their minor league system, he was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the expansion draft of 1992.

Ausmus first joined Houston in 1996 after being traded by the Detroit Tigers. He spent two seasons with the Astros before they sent him back to the Tigers in 1999.

His second stint in Houston occurred in 2001 after he was traded for once again.

The catcher enjoyed the best defensive years of his career with the Astros during this stretch, as he won his only three Gold Glove awards in 2001, 2002 and 2006.

After his playing days were over, Ausmus took his first managerial job with Detroit heading into the 2014 season. He didn't return for the 2018 season after they decided not to extend his contract.

He was manager of the Los Angels Angels for one year in 2019 before being fired.

Now, the former Houston star catcher has been named the new bench coach of the Yankees alongside Boone, as New York looks to become a powerhouse in the American League once again.


Published
Brad Wakai
BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently covers the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros for Sports Illustrated/FanNation. He is also the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai