The Houston Astros not only lost the ALCS to end their World Series title defense, but they're also losing their manager as Dusty Baker is retiring after 26 seasons as a big league skipper. The Astros still have championship aspirations and will want a manager fit to lead a team to a title. There are already some candidates who've emerged as favorites.

Astros bench coach Joe Espada and former player Brad Ausmus will be strong candidates for the Houston job, according to Bob Nightengale. Though there will probably be others, they are two that people should keep an eye on.

Espada survived the sign-stealing scandal and has been the Astros bench coach since 2018. He's interviewed for other managerial openings on several occasions but has not gotten a job, sticking with Houston as Dusty Baker's right-hand man.

Article Continues Below
More Houston Astros News
Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts too loading the bases against the Chicago White Sox in the third inning.
Astros’ Lance McCullers Jr. heads to IL after suffering ‘freak accident’Josh Davis ·
Houston Astros left fielder Jacob Melton (31) celebrates his run against the Minnesota Twins in the third inning.
Astros makes injury move before Twins clashJosh Davis ·
Houston Astros relief pitcher Forrest Whitley (55) walks off the mound after pitching during the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Daikin Park.
Astros trade struggling pitcher to RaysZachary Weinberger ·
Houston Astros pitcher Josh Hader (71) throws against the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning of game two of the Wildcard round.
Astros’ Josh Hader continues perfect 2025 after shutting door on White SoxJosh Davis ·
Houston Astros third base coach Tony Perezchica (12) celebrates with Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes (15) after a home run against the Chicago White Sox in the fifth inning at Daikin Park.
Astros’ Isaac Paredes leaves White Sox game amid injury scareAlex House ·
Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) pitches against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning.
Astros’ Framber Valdez makes franchise history not even Nolan Ryan achievedJosh Davis ·

Ausmus has five seasons of managerial experience under his belt as he was skipper of the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels. He played in parts of 10 seasons with the Astros during his 18-year MLB career. He was the Oakland Athletics bench coach in 2022 and served in the same position for Team Israel at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

The Astros were a win shy of their third consecutive AL pennant and the franchise is at a bit of a crossroads at the moment. Houston's championship window is getting smaller and a new manager is not guaranteed to be the right one for the team. Espada and Ausmus' familiarity with the franchise does give them a leg up.

There are now five managerial openings in the MLB with Baker's retirement.