Astros Interview Four Candidates for Managerial Job

Houston has narrowed its search to Brad Ausmus, Morgan Ensberg, Albert Pujols and Luis Urueta after parting ways with Joe Espada.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Baseball

Astros Interview Four Candidates for Managerial Job

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Would you support hiring a Hall of Fame player like Albert Pujols as your team's manager?

The Houston Astros have interviewed four managerial candidates, including Brad Ausmus, Morgan Ensberg, Albert Pujols and Luis Urueta, to replace Joe Espada. General manager Randy Flores conducted the interviews as the club searches for its next manager.

Why it matters

The Astros finished the 2026 regular season 81-81 and were swept in the AL Wild Card Series, prompting the club to not renew Espada's contract. The choice of manager will shape the direction of the franchise after a disappointing season.

Albert Pujols finished his playing career with 703 home runs, 2,218 RBIs and 3,384 hits, while Brad Ausmus managed to a 386-422 record with Detroit and the Angels. The club has not disclosed a decision timeline.

The players

Randy Flores

Flores is the general manager of the Houston Astros, overseeing the club's baseball operations and the search for a new manager.

Albert Pujols

Pujols is a three-time National League MVP, 11-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion who is among the most accomplished hitters of his generation.

Brad Ausmus

Ausmus managed the Detroit Tigers from 2014 to 2017 and the Los Angeles Angels in 2019 after a long catching career.

Morgan Ensberg

Ensberg has spent the last three seasons managing the Durham Bulls, the Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.

The details

Flores emphasized trust, energy and chemistry as key qualities for the next manager during his introductory press conference. Pujols led Leones del Escogido to the 2024-25 Dominican Winter League championship and managed the Dominican Republic team at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

August 2026: The Astros parted ways with former general manager Dana Brown.
2026 regular season: The Astros finished 81-81 and were swept in the AL Wild Card Series.
2026 season end: The Astros did not renew Joe Espada's contract.
November 2026: Flores interviewed four managerial candidates.

Season Trajectory

The search comes after the Astros' 81-81 finish, a sharp drop from the contending seasons built under A.J. Hinch's 2017 World Series-winning club. The manager hire will signal whether the franchise intends to return to contention or rebuild around new leadership.

Fantasy managers tracking Astros hitters should watch for a managerial change that could alter lineup construction and playing time. The hire could also affect the Astros' roster decisions heading into the next season.

The takeaway

A managerial hire is one of the earliest signals of a franchise's direction after a losing season. Watching who Houston selects will show whether it is prioritizing player development, veteran leadership or a fresh tactical approach.