The Houston Astros hired Brad Ausmus as their next manager on Wednesday, bringing the former All-Star catcher back to the franchise to replace Joe Espada. Ausmus agreed to a contract following three seasons working as the bench coach for the New York Yankees.
His appointment arrives two weeks after the Astros named Randy Flores as their new general manager, completing a major leadership overhaul for the organization. Houston required a new manager after parting ways with Espada following the expiration of his three-year contract.
The Astros finished the recent campaign with an 81-81 record, which secured the American League West title despite featuring four other teams with losing records. However, the Chicago White Sox subsequently swept the hosts two games to zero in the American League Wild Card Round, outscoring them 13-6.
Houston endured significant injury troubles throughout the season, affecting key players such as catcher Yainer Diaz, shortstop Jeremy Pena and second baseman Jose Altuve. The pitching staff was severely impacted, utilizing 19 different starting pitchers over the course of the year.
Peter Lambert was the sole pitcher to make more than 20 starts for the team, contributing to a pitching staff that recorded Major League Baseball's seventh-highest ERA at 4.45. Conversely, the offense scored an above-average 4.53 runs per game, largely driven by superstar Yordan Alvarez.
Alvarez enjoyed a dominant individual campaign, leading the majors with a 1.033 OPS while hitting 42 home runs and driving in 106 runs. The franchise has trended downward since claiming the 2022 World Series title and falling one victory short of the 2023 AL pennant, failing to win a single postseason game since.
The 57-year-old Ausmus brings extensive playing and managerial experience to the role, having spent 18 years in the majors as a catcher. He played 10 of those seasons across two stints with Houston, featuring as the primary backstop for three National League Central division winners and the 2005 NL pennant-winning squad.
During his playing career, Ausmus earned an All-Star selection in 1999 and secured three Gold Glove awards while representing the San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers, Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers. Following his retirement as a player in 2010, he transitioned into a front office role as a field executive for San Diego.
Ausmus later managed the Detroit Tigers from 2014 to 2017, guiding them to an American League Central title and a 90-72 record in his debut season before his four-year contract expired following a 64-98 campaign. He subsequently managed the Los Angeles Angels for the 2019 season, finishing with a 72-90 record.
After working as a bench coach for the Oakland Athletics in 2022, Ausmus joined the New York Yankees coaching staff. The Astros now hope his extensive organizational familiarity and managerial background will provide the necessary spark to revitalize the team.org
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