Assessing the Astros' Potential Managerial Options for 2027

Los Angeles Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann is only 41 years old, but has already been a popular name in the managerial rumor mill, being linked in the past to open jobs with the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves. He'd be an excellent fit with the Astros, too.

Not only does Lehmann bring a substantial track record of success stemming from three years as Dave Roberts' bench coach and more than a decade in the Dodgers' front office, but he also carries personal connections to the Houston area. He grew up in The Woodlands, roughly 30 miles north of the city, as a star high school catcher and played college ball at nearby Rice University.

Jason Lane

Although Pat Murphy and the Milwaukee Brewers don't employ a traditional bench coach, Jason Lane has been instrumental in helping guide the club. Currently the team's offense and strategy coordinator, he has also served as the first base coach, third base coach and assistant hitting coach for Murphy, the reigning two-time NL Manager of the Year.

Lane is also familiar to Astros fans. He spent the first five and a half seasons of what would technically be a seven-year playing career in Houston. He even hit 26 home runs for the 2005 squad that went all the way to the World Series, not to mention launching a solo shot in Game 3.

Rodney Linares

Perhaps no managerial candidate will have as many players come to bat for him as Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Rodney Linares. Once a second-generation Astros coach (his father, Julio Linares, spent three years coaching in Houston), his time in the organization's minor league system saw him mentor future stars like Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, George Springer, and Alex Bregman.

Linares hasn't exactly been idle in the years since, either. A trusted aide to Rays' manager Kevin Cash, he has been with the franchise for eight years and has overseen 99- and 98-win seasons during his past four years as bench coach. He also managed the Dominican Republic at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

No prerequisite demands that the next Astros coach be part of a current Championship Series team or even that they have ties to the franchise. However, having a trio of viable candidates enjoying plenty of current success and holding ties to the team and to the Houston area makes for a potential managerial decision with no wrong answer.