After Dusty Baker announced his official retirement last week, the Houston Astros are still looking for a new manager.
According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Astros GM Dana Brown stated that they had interviewed incumbent bench coach Joe Espada for the position.
“We’re making headway and feel like we’re getting closer.” “We’re not going to rush because we want to complete the process thoroughly,” Brown added. “Joe Espada is the only candidate we have within the organization.” Joe has earned it. He’s put forth a lot of effort. He’s been with the company for six years. He comes from a solid family. He’s completed spring training. This guy is an excellent prospect. As a result, he was the sole candidate we interviewed in-house.”
But it’s not so simple. The Milwaukee Brewers are searching for Craig Counsell’s replacement and, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, have Espada on their list of candidates. Espada will not be permitted to speak with the Brewers — or any other interested team — until Houston makes its final choice.
Espada’s contract has expired, so the Astros cannot forbid him from speaking with the Brewers; but can require his abstaining from conversations with Milwaukee as a condition of being a candidate for their own opening.
Baker played a key role in the Astros’ World Series victory in 2022. After AJ Hinch was released of his duties in 2020, he took over as manager. Baker stated that he still wishes to work in MLB as an advisor for a team, whether it is the Astros or a team closer to his home in Sacramento, California. That is unknown, but what is certain is that he is no longer in charge of the Astros.
