57-Year-Old Brad Ausmus Returns to Manage the Astros

The Houston Astros confirmed on Wednesday that Brad Ausmus will manage the team.

The 57-year-old takes over from Joe Espada, whose contract expired after three seasons. During his time in the dugout, Espada led the Astros to the postseason twice. The club officially announced the change in command on Wednesday, bringing a familiar face back to the organization.

Ausmus first managed in the major leagues with the Detroit Tigers from 2014 to 2017. He guided Detroit to a division title in his first year, though the team posted a 314-332 record over his four-year stint. He later managed the Los Angeles Angels in 2019, finishing 72-90. Across those five managerial seasons, Ausmus holds a career winning percentage of .478. Before moving to the bench, he played parts of 18 major league seasons, spending ten of those years with the Astros. He earned three Gold Glove awards as a catcher and was an All-Star in 1999 with Detroit. He has served as the bench coach for the New York Yankees since late 2023.

General Manager Randy Flores called Ausmus a leader with the energy and expertise needed to build a winning culture. Flores said the hiring is his first major move since joining the team. The Astros finished the 2026 season with an 81-81 record, securing a division title and a postseason berth despite a negative run differential. The roster includes aging players in key positions and a weak farm system, with several core contributors entering walk years in 2027.

Ausmus said he is thrilled to start a new chapter with the club, citing the role Houston played in his personal and professional life. He thanked Flores and the organization for their trust. As of Wednesday, the Los Angeles Angels are the only team without a manager. The Philadelphia Phillies made Don Mattingly their permanent manager after an interim stint. The New York Mets named Andy Green their permanent skipper. The Seattle Mariners replaced Dan Wilson with Jason Kanzler.

Owner Jim Crane has not yet clarified whether the team will maintain its contention level or begin a rebuild. Ausmus remains a popular figure in Houston, a factor that may ease the transition. The announcement closes a period of uncertainty following the 2026 campaign, where the team showed competitiveness but faced underlying challenges in its statistical profile.

The hiring concludes the search that began after Espada's contract lapsed. Flores stated that Ausmus impressed the staff during interviews. The new manager will take the helm for the upcoming season, with the Angels still seeking a replacement for their vacant managerial post.