(SportsRadio 610) - For the first time in the Jim Crane era, the Houston Astros are hiring from within to fill a major vacancy at manager.
Bench coach Joe Espada is expected to be promoted to manager, Audacy MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported for USA Today.
Espada, 48, replaces the legendary Dusty Baker, who retired after spending the past four seasons as the Astros' skipper. Espada has been with the Astros since 2018, serving as their bench coach in three World Series appearances, including their 2022 title.
This promotion for Espada comes after years of interviews for managerial positions. He interviewed in 2018 for the Texas Rangers' position, then in 2019 for the Chicago Cubs and as recently as last year for the Chicago White Sox.
Prior to joining the Astros, Espada was the New York Yankees' infield and third base coach from 2015-17 and coached in the Miami Marlins' organization from 2010-13.