Former Major League Baseball Executive Predicts Next Houston Astros Manager
One veteran MLB executive has predicted who the Houston Astros’ next manager will be when they make their hiring decision.
After the managerial hiring frenzy that took place on Monday, there are now four teams still searching for their next skippers this offseason.
The Houston Astros are one of them and have no intention of rushing their process according to general manager Dana Brown.
They seemingly have one of the top candidates on the market within their own clubhouse. It would surprise many people if the Astros didn’t go in the direction of their bench coach Joe Espada.
Former MLB executive Jim Bowden, who predicted this in an essay for The Athletic, would be astounded as well.
“The Astros hire Joe Espada to be their next manager, promoting him after six seasons as their bench coach,” he says.
It all makes sense.
Espada has been a member of the Houston Rockets since 2018. Bench coaches are typically seen as potential managers because they are the captain’s right-hand man.
He previously interviewed for two managerial positions and seems primed to take over a team soon.
If the Astros don’t go with the 48-year-old, the Milwaukee Brewers reportedly have interest in him after their manager Craig Counsell left this offseason.
After winning the NL Central and making the playoffs last year, the Brewers have seemingly entered a state of flux. They could potentially begin a rebuild or they could add pieces in free agency.
Espada might be their man in any case.
If Milwaukee wants to rebuild, the manager will be able to grow into the position alongside the players. Espada has been a part of a dominant postseason organization and knows what it takes to stay a contender.
Bowden, on the other hand, believes that Houston will keep their bench coach and that he will eventually become the Astros’ manager.
