The Houston Astros missed out on their World Series title, facing defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Braves in 2021. Hence, apart from strengthening their team now, the Astros front office also intends on making changes in their coaching staff.
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46-year-old Joe Espada has been part of the Astros for a while now as the bench coach. However, recent reports state that his future promotion to the head coach role now stands in doubt.
Joe Espada lost huge positions
Joe Espada has been part of the Houston Astros since 2018. Before joining the Astros, Joe had experience in coaching the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins, while he himself was also an active player till 2005. When Astros’ manager, A.J.Hinch, was fired, Joe was expected to take over after him.
However, the Astros front office brought in veteran manager, Dusty Baker. Since then, Joe has been the bench coach for the team. According to Jon Heyman’s report, the Astros are expected to make a huge managerial hire soon, but their focus is not on Joe.
Jon tweeted, ”A’s are closing in on a managerial hire and the focus appears to be on Mark Kotsay, their current 3B coach and a longtime major league outfielder.”
A’s are closing in on a managerial hire and the focus appears to be on Mark Kotsay, their current 3B coach and a longtime major league outfielder
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 18, 2021
Recently, Jon was interviewed for the managerial position of the New York Mets; however, he was not selected. Notably, this was not the first time he was the frontrunner for a role, but lost out, regardless. Back in 2019, he was the top contender for the Cubs manager position but was outclassed by Ross in a mock 2020 spring training team speech.
Joe Espada has interviewed for the Mets, the Cubs, the Rangers and the A’s over the last few seasons. He remains the Astros bench coach with the A’s job still open.
This 2019 report told why Ross was picked over Espada for the Cubs’ opening. https://t.co/46zHgnzcOk
— Climbing Tal's Hill (@astrosCTH) December 18, 2021
Joe Espada vs Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker
While Joe might not have landed a promotion yet, he has always been on the target of big teams; especially for the manager’s position. When now 72-year-old Dusty Baker was signed, many questioned the move. Although Dusty has helped the team’s image drastically since he joined, one cannot ignore the age factor here.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 22, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. (12) looks on in the eighth inning during game six of the 2021 ALCS against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Dusty is not a long-term investment for the Astros managerial office; however, Joe could be. In fact, Joe was considered the successor to A. J. Hinch. After one too many rejections, what you do think the future has in store for Joe Espada?
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