Astros hire Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus as new manager - ESPN

The Astros have hired New York Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus, who played 10 of his 18 MLB seasons in Houston, as the team's new manager, general manager Randy Flores said Wednesday.

This is the third different managerial job for the 57-year-old Ausmus, who managed the Los Angeles Angels in 2019 and spent 2014-17 leading the Detroit Tigers. He has a career record of 386-422.

«I am very excited to be back in Houston,» Ausmus, who will be introduced Friday, said in a statement. «The Astros and the city of Houston have been a huge part of my life, and I'm thrilled to create a new chapter as the team's manager.

»… I can't wait to get to work."

Ausmus will replace Joe Espada, whose contract was not renewed after the American League West champions were swept by the Chicago White Sox in the wild-card series.

The Astros had also interviewed Albert Pujos for the vacancy, sources told ESPN.

After missing the playoffs in 2025, the Astros went 81-81 this season to win the AL West for the fifth time in six years, becoming the first big league club without a winning record to reach the playoffs in a non-shortened season.

Slugger Yordan Alvarez flirted with the AL Triple Crown, ultimately winning the batting title (.316) and finishing fourth in the majors in home runs (42) and fifth in RBIs (106). Injuries also took a toll this season. Star infielder Carlos Correa didn't play after May 4, shortstop Jeremy Pena had multiple IL stints, ace Hunter Brown missed three-plus months and All-Star closer Josh Hader didn't make his season debut until June 3.

«We are thrilled to welcome Brad back to the Astros organization,» Flores said in a statement. «Brad impressed us throughout the interview process, demonstrating the leadership, energy, and