The Astros are moving to replace manager Joe Espada, and former Houston catcher Brad Ausmus is among the names under consideration. Ausmus was in Houston interviewing for the general manager role, but his past interview for the managerial job and ties to Jeff Bagwell could put him back in the mix. Other potential candidates include former Cardinals Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina, as well as former Astros third baseman Morgan Ensberg.

By the Numbers
  • Ausmus managed the Tigers and Angels to a combined 386-422 record.
  • He spent 10 seasons with Houston, winning 3 Gold Gloves and reaching the 2005 World Series.
  • Molina is a 10-time All-Star and 2-time World Series champion; Pujols hit 703 career home runs.
  • Ensberg has managed for 7 seasons in the Rays’ minor-league system, including 4 playoff berths with Double-A Montgomery.
Yes, But

Ausmus’s Houston visit was for the GM opening, and there’s no confirmation he has been selected as a managerial finalist. His previous big-league managing record was below .500, while Pujols, Molina and Ensberg bring different levels of professional managerial experience.

State of Play
  • New GM Randy Flores is set to be introduced Monday.
  • Houston plans to move quickly on a manager as the General Managers Meetings approach next week in Las Vegas.
  • Espada’s contract was not renewed after 3 seasons.
What’s Next

Once Flores is in place, the Astros are expected to focus on interviews and narrowing the field. His connections to St. Louis could bring Pujols and Molina into consideration alongside Ausmus and Ensberg.

Bottom Line

The Astros have several plausible paths: a former player with MLB managing experience, a celebrated star building a managerial résumé, or a candidate with a strong minor-league track record. The choice will signal what kind of leadership Houston wants for its next chapter.