Summary
- Reports say Seattle plans to meet Espada.
- Houston reportedly granted permission for the talks.
- An interview does not establish a hiring agreement.
The reported meeting
Seattle intends to interview Houston Astros manager Joe Espada for its vacant managerial position, Sports Illustrated reported October 13, citing MLB.com. The meeting would place an American League West rival’s manager in Seattle’s search. The report does not announce a hiring. [1]
Heavy also attributed the news to MLB.com and said Houston granted Seattle permission to speak with Espada. His future with the Astros remains uncertain. Permission to discuss another position does not establish that Houston has dismissed him or decided who will lead the club next season. [2]
Seattle’s opening
Heavy reported that Seattle finished 2026 at 76-86 and fired Dan Wilson at season’s end. That followed a 2025 run reaching Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. The opening comes after a reversal in results. [2]
Espada’s recent record
Espada became Houston’s manager ahead of 2024 after serving as bench coach from 2018 through 2023, according to Heavy. He was part of the staff that won the 2022 World Series. His first season in charge brought an 88-73 record and a division title, followed by a wild-card sweep by Detroit. [2]
The Astros missed the playoffs with an 87-75 record in 2025. Heavy said their 81-81 finish in 2026 was sufficient to win the division, but Chicago then swept Houston in the wild-card round. Those results provide the recent managerial background without establishing how Seattle will evaluate him against other candidates. [2]
Decision remains separate
Sports Illustrated said Houston had not settled whether Espada would return in 2027. Its account discusses a possible move within the division, but does not announce an agreement. A club decision or confirmed appointment would be a further development; the reported interview precedes that stage. [1]