Houston Astros owner Jim Crane confirmed that manager Joe Espada will remain in his position through the end of the 2026 season, per MLB Trade Rumors. Crane made the statement to reporters before Tuesday's game against the Yankees.
The announcement comes one day after the Astros parted ways with general manager Dana Brown. The team will finish the season with a temporary front office structure led by current assistant GMs and special advisor Jeff Bagwell, per reporting from Yahoo Sports and The Crawfish Boxes.
Crane's public endorsement of Espada appears designed to settle immediate questions about the manager's future following the GM's departure. The decision on Espada's status beyond this season will come after the campaign concludes.