Wednesday, November 11, 2026 — a familiar face returns to the Houston dugout.
The Astros hired Brad Ausmus as their new manager on Wednesday. The 57-year-old, who spent the last three seasons as Aaron Boone’s bench coach with the Yankees, becomes the 21st manager in franchise history.
“I am very excited to be back in Houston,” Ausmus said. “I can’t wait to get to work.”
A Homecoming
Ausmus played 10 of his 18 major league seasons in Houston, and all three of his Gold Gloves came as an Astros catcher. He has been close to the job before: he interviewed for the managerial opening in 2020, when it went to Dusty Baker, and was a finalist for general manager before Dana Brown was hired ahead of the 2023 season.
He also brings managing experience. Ausmus led the Tigers from 2014 to 2017 and the Angels in 2019, then served as a bench coach with the A’s and the Yankees.
Flores’ First Big Move
The hire is the first major decision for new general manager Randy Flores, who was named to the job about two weeks ago. “Brad impressed us throughout the interview process, demonstrating the leadership, energy, and expertise critical to driving a winning culture both on and off the field,” Flores said.
Why Houston Changed
Ausmus replaces Joe Espada, whose contract was not renewed after three seasons. Espada took Houston to the playoffs in two of them, including this year’s AL West title. But the 2026 Astros finished just 81-81 with a negative run differential and were swept by the White Sox in the Wild Card Series.
That leaves Ausmus with a mixed roster. Yordan Alvarez is coming off a career season, but the team around him needs work, and the organization has now changed both its manager and its general manager in a matter of weeks.
The AL West Reset
Ausmus is the second new manager in the division this offseason, joining Seattle’s Jason Kanzler. The contrast is stark: the Mariners chose a 36-year-old first-time skipper, while Houston went with a veteran of five seasons as a big league manager who knows the organization inside out.
The Read
The Astros chose experience and familiarity at a moment of upheaval. Ausmus understands the franchise and its standards. Now he has to turn an 81-win division champion back into a real contender.
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