The Houston Astros promoted bench coach Joe Espada to manager on Monday as he replaces the legendary Dusty Baker, who retired at the end of the team’s playoff run.
It will be Espada’s first opportunity to become a manager. He served as a coach for the Miami Marlins and New York Yankees before joining the Astros staff in 2018.
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New Houston Astros baseball team manager Joe Espada listens to a question during an introductory news conference on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
«I’m honored by this,» said the 48-year-old Puerto Rico native. «This is a dream come true. I just can’t express my feelings about how happy I am to be able to stay here and lead this team.»
He is the second Latino manager in Astros history. The first was Preston Gómez, who managed the Astros in 1974 and 1975.
Espada has tried other management positions in recent years. He said when Baker retired, he was hopeful he would have the opportunity to lead the team.
«I was really hoping to have the opportunity to stay home and lead this team,» he said. «I love this city. I love this team. I love this community and I know I can protect and continue to be successful and continue to win in this city.»
Coach Joe Espada, #19, Christian Vázquez, #9, Martín Maldonado, #15, and hitting coach Alex Cintrón, #37 of the Houston Astros, pose for a photo on the field after the Astros defeated the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the ALCS at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, October 23, 2022 in New York City. (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
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Houston has been the class of the American League for the past seven years, reaching the league championship series in each of those years. The Astros have achieved two World Series victories, the last in 2022.
The team was eliminated in the American League Championship Series this year by the eventual World Series champions, the Texas Rangers.
«We wanted to continue the success here in Houston…we found the right man for the job. Our fans deserve it,» Astros general manager Dana Brown said.
Houston Astros bench coach Joe Espada, left, talks with first baseman José Abreu before opening day against the Chicago White Sox, Thursday, March 30, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox, File)
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«I was looking for someone with leadership skills, someone who could communicate, someone who was collaborative, and ultimately someone who was humble,» he continued. «I have had the opportunity to speak with Joe Espada almost all year and we have had great conversations, we hit it off from the beginning and I think, without a doubt, that Joe is a good fit for this job.»
The Associated Press contributed to this report.