Major Development Revealed in Houston Astros' Managerial Search

After news dropped that the Los Angeles Angels have hired their new manager, the Houston Astros are one of three teams who are still searching for theirs.

It's starting to feel like a foregone conclusion that the Astros will eventually hire bench coach Joe Espada to become their manager. He's been with the organization since 2018 and has seemingly developed a great relationship with everyone inside the building.

Yet, there have been some major developments discovered regarding Houston's search.

Espada reportedly interviewed for the job on Tuesday but has not been named the favorite by general manager Dana Brown. He has to wait for the decision that comes from these interviews.

"We hold the keys to permission. We have to go through this process before we can allow Joe to go interview. Because what if he goes there and gets the job? That’s pulling from our guys," Brown told reporters at the GM meetings.

Except that isn't true.

According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Espada is not currently under contract.

"He coached this season in the final year of his contract, a person familiar with the situation told The Athletic on Tuesday. The contract expired on Oct. 31, meaning Espada is free to speak with other teams," he writes.

Wow.

If this source is correct, then the seemingly clear choice to get this job could freely walk out of the building and take a job elsewhere.

The Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly interested in the popular bench coach to take over their opening as the Astros go through their interviews.

"We’re making progress, and we feel like we’re getting closer. We’re not going to rush because we want to do a thorough process, but we’re making progress," Brown said.

While Houston sits around and figures out which direction they want to go, they could potentially lose the candidate that some members of the clubhouse have advocated for since Dusty Baker's retirement.