MLB Managerial changes: Astros part ways with Joe Espada as Phillies Retain Don Mattingly

The Houston Astros have decided to move on from manager Joe Espada, while the Philadelphia Phillies have secured the services of Don Mattingly with a new two-year contract. Both teams announced their decisions on Wednesday following their elimination from the opening round of the MLB Postseason.

Espada’s contract was due to expire at the end of October, but the Astros opted to make a change ahead of that deadline after the team was knocked out in the Wild Card round.

The 51-year-old Puerto Rican manager had been part of Houston’s coaching staff from 2018 to 2023. During that period, he helped the Astros capture the 2022 World Series title, defeating the Phillies in the championship series.

Espada was appointed Houston’s manager ahead of the 2024 season, finishing his tenure with a 256-229 regular-season record across three campaigns. The Astros reached the Postseason in each of those seasons but were eliminated in the Wild Card round in both of their appearances at that stage.

Despite finishing the 2026 campaign with an 81-81 record, Houston claimed the American League West division title. However, the .500 finish marked the worst regular-season record for a division-winning team to qualify for the Postseason under the current format.

Astros owner and chairman Jim Crane expressed his appreciation for Espada’s contributions to the organization.

“We’re thankful for Joe’s hard work, his passion for the game, and for his commitment to the Houston Astros,” Crane said.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies have opted for continuity by handing Don Mattingly a two-year deal that keeps him in charge through the 2028 season.

Mattingly took over as Philadelphia’s interim manager after Rob Thomson was dismissed in April following a disappointing 9-19 start to the campaign. Under Mattingly’s leadership, the Phillies responded with a 79-55 record over the remainder of the season, strengthening his case for the permanent position.

The Phillies’ search for a new manager also involved former Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who declined an offer for the job in April. Cora subsequently informed Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski last week that he did not intend to manage during the 2027 season, paving the way for Mattingly to remain at the helm.

With these decisions, Houston begins the search for a new leader, while Philadelphia moves forward with Mattingly as it looks to build on its late-season improvement.

The MLB Postseason continues as teams compete for baseball’s ultimate prize: the World Series championship.