The Houston Astros have massively underperformed in Joe Espada’s first year as manager. Behind the scene, some Astros are beginning to believe his tenure shouldn’t continue beyond the 2024 season.
Two ‘prominent’ members of Houston’s club have ‘quietly expressed’ complaints over Espada’s communication skills, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today. There’s no word on if the Astros are seriously considering a change at manager, although missing the postseason would be devastating to Espada’s chances of retaining.
If Houston were to move on, the Boston Red Sox’s Alex Cora and the Miami Marlins’ Skip Schumaker have been deemed the most sought after managers during the offseason.
When Dusty Baker stepped down as the Astros’ manager Joe Espada was given a promotion. He had served as the team’s bench coach since 2017, winning a World Series title in 2022. Before that, Espada had served a coach in the New York Yankees and Marlins organizations. He has also coached for Puerto Rico’s National Team in the World Baseball Classic.
But for all the experience and ties Espada may have now in Houston, the Astros have much different expectations for their organization. They’ve made the ALCS every year since 2017. Two of those seasons ended with World Series rings. Houston has become a juggernaut in MLB and they aren’t looking to give away their crown anytime soon.
The franchise is in turmoil and needs a major turnaround to get back into playoff contention. It’ll be up to Joe Espada to help lead the Astros from the ashes. But at least two of his players already aren’t feeling too confident that he’s the right man for the job.
What has gone wrong for Astros
Houston sits in the AL West’s cellar with a 14-25 record. Losers in six of their last ten games, the Astros have already fallen back seven games of the first place Texas Rangers.
Now injuries have certainly played a role in Houston’s struggles. The rotation has been decimated in particular with Luis Garcia, Lance McCullers and Joe Urquidy all on the injured list. Christian Javier just returned from injury while Justin Verlander began the year on the injured list.
While injuries certainly aren’t the Astros fault, Houston’s rotation hasn’t been able to keep pace. The Astros rank 28th in the league with a 4.91 ERA. Their .257 batting average against ranks fourth. Star closer Josh Hader – who Houston signed to a $95 million contract over the offseason – holds a 5.29 ERA.
The offense has tried to pick up the pitching rotation’s slack, they rank 14th in the league with 177 runs scored. Their second in batting average (.262) and seventh in home runs (46). However, numerous key players across the roster have been struggling.
Jose Abreu has been sent down to the minors for continued struggles. Alex Bregman is hitting .201 with one home run. While Jeremy Pena has been outstanding and Kyle Tucker has already blasted 12 home runs, the Astros still need more for their offense.
Joe Espada won’t be stepping into the batter’s box anytime soon. But he has the power to implement important changes. As the team gets healthier and players start finding their stride, perhaps the Astros can turn it around. But early on in the 2024 season, Espada is already on the hot seat.
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