si
The Houston Astros have selected Brad Ausmus to fill their managerial vacancy, making him the second manager hired this offseason. The move was initially reported by Houston radio host John Granato and subsequently confirmed by MLB.com's Brian McTaggart.
Ausmus is no stranger to the Astros organization, having played for the team for eight seasons from 2001 to 2008, including the 2005 squad that captured the National League pennant. His deep ties to the franchise mark a stark contrast to the offseason's first managerial hire, which saw the Seattle Mariners surprisingly tab Jason Kanzler, the Cubs' director of player development.
While Seattle opted for an unconventional choice, Houston went with a more traditional candidate in Ausmus, a former catcher known for his intuitive understanding of the game. This approach mirrors recent trends, as the reigning champion Milwaukee Brewers also employed a manager with similar old-school credentials.
What the Ausmus Hire Means for Houston
The Astros are undergoing significant organizational changes this offseason. They parted ways with general manager Dana Brown and allowed manager Joe Espada to leave after three seasons. Randy Flores is set to take over baseball operations, while Ausmus will handle on-field management.
Houston has struggled to find postseason success over the past three years and is in a transitional phase, with several key contributors from their 2022 championship team either departed or nearing the end of their tenure. Flores will need to bolster the roster, and Ausmus will be tasked with translating that talent into results on the field.
For the first time in his managerial career, Ausmus will not be following a beloved skipper. He previously succeeded Hall of Famer Jim Leyland in Detroit and Mike Scioscia in Los Angeles.
Ausmus's Coaching Background
After an 18-year playing career, Ausmus transitioned to coaching. He became manager of the Detroit Tigers in 2014, taking over for Leyland. However, his tenure coincided with the Tigers' decline, as the team went a decade without a postseason appearance. He was dismissed after four seasons, though the club finished above .500 in two of those years.
Ausmus then spent one season as manager of the Los Angeles Angels, posting a 72-90 record before being let go. His overall managerial record stands at 386-422.
Following his time with the Angels, Ausmus served as a bench coach, where his prior managerial experience proved valuable. After a one-year stint with the Oakland Athletics in 2022, he spent the past three seasons as the New York Yankees' bench coach, reaching the 2024 World Series, where the club fell to the Dodgers in five games. He was in that role when the Astros hired him.
The Los Angeles Angels are the only team yet to hire a manager this offseason. Their situation is complicated by an ownership change and the ongoing search for a general manager. Once that hire is made, the new GM will prioritize filling the managerial position.