Astros Expected To Name Brad Ausmus Manager

Houston Astros general manager Randy Flores told reporters Tuesday at the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas that he hopes to finalize the team's managerial hire by the end of the week. Former Astros catcher Brad Ausmus, former Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols, former Astros third baseman Morgan Ensberg and Rangers bench coach Luis Urueta interviewed for the position, according to MLB.com. The Astros did not renew manager Joe Espada's contract after three seasons.

Flores said owner Jim Crane, senior advisor Jeff Bagwell and assistant general managers Charles Cook and Gavin Dickey were involved in the interview process. Pujols interviewed Thursday in Houston, and Ausmus originally interviewed for the GM position before the manager role was discussed. Flores, a longtime teammate of Pujols with the Cardinals, said he was "dotting i's, crossing t's" on the hire.

The Astros have retained pitching coach Josh Miller, first-base coach Dave Clark, hitting coach Victor Rodriguez and bullpen catcher Javier Bracamonte, though field coordinator Jason Bell departed for the Red Sox. The team still needs to fill a bench coach role and several other coaching positions. Flores said filling out the staff will be a collaboration with the new manager.

Flores also addressed roster decisions, noting that shortstop Jeremy Peña is entering the final year of his contract and could be traded. The Astros need offensive outfield upgrades, must address infield depth and need to add pitching depth. Flores met with seven agent groups Tuesday and said roster work will happen in coordination with the new manager.

Flores has reached out to every member of the 40-man roster, including Yordan Alvarez, the favorite for the 2026 AL MVP. Alvarez was scheduled to fly to Las Vegas Wednesday with Crane and Bagwell for the MLB Awards Show. Flores also met with star third baseman Carlos Correa, who has been working out at Daikin Park and said he wants to win championships and rebuild the roster.