Astros name Joe Espada manager to replace Dusty Baker

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The Houston Astros promoted bench coach Joe Espada to manager on Monday as he will take over for the legendary Dusty Baker, who retired at the end of the team’s playoff run.

It will be Espada’s first opportunity to become a manager. He served as a coach for the Miami Marlins and New York Yankees before joining the Astros’ staff in 2018.

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Houston Astros new baseball team manager Joe Espada listens to a question during an introductory news conference Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

"I’m humbled by this," the 48-year-old Puerto Rico native said. "This is a dream come true. I just can’t express my feelings about how happy I am to get to stay here and manage this team."

He is the second Latin-born manager in Astros’ history. The first was Preston Gomez, who managed the Astros in 1974 and 1975.

Espada has tried for other managerial jobs over the past several years. He said when Baker retired, he was hopeful about getting a shot at leading the team.

"I really hoped that I was going to get a chance to stay home and manage this team," he said. "I love this city. I love this team. I love this community and I know I can protect and continue success and continue winning in this city."

Coach Joe Espada, #19, Christian Vázquez, #9, Martín Maldonado, #15, and hitting coach Alex Cintron, #37 of the Houston Astros, pose for a photo on the field after Astros defeated the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the ALCS at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022 in New York City. (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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