Astros promote bench coach Joe Espada to manager, replacing retired Dusty Baker

Joe Espada took a leave of absence as bench coach of the Houston Astros last year to spend time with his father when he fell ill with heart complications.

"I almost lost him while I was there," Espada said. "And I asked God that day just to let him stay with me for a while longer because I wanted to share some good news in the future."

On Sunday, he finally gave his father, Doloers, the long-awaited news of his promotion to manager of the Astros.

"I FaceTimed and he started clapping," Espada said. "His reaction was priceless."

Espada was introduced as manager of the Astros on Monday, replacing Dusty Baker, who retired last month.

"I'm humbled by this," Espada said. "This is a dream come true. I just can't express my feelings about how happy I am to get to stay here and manage this team."

It's the first managerial position for the 48-year-old Espada, who has been Houston's bench coach since 2018. Espada, who was born in Puerto Rico, is the second Latino manager in franchise history, joining Cuban-born Preston Gomez, Houston's manager from 1974-75.

Espada had interviewed for multiple managerial positions in recent years without success. When Baker retired, he was optimistic he'd finally get his shot.

7 straight ALCS appearances

"I really hoped that I was going to get a chance to stay home and manage this team," Espada said. "I love this city. I love this team. I love this community and I know I can protect and continue success and continue winning in this city."

The Astros have advanced to the American League Championship Series in seven straight seasons and reached the World Series in 2021 and 2022, winning their second title in 2022.

"We wanted to continue the success here in Houston. We came up with the right man for the job. Our fans deserve it," general manager Dana Brown said.

Espada says he'll immediately start setting up his coaching staff. In the year since Brown became the team's general manager, he's been impressed by Espada's work ethic and demeanor.

Espada began his coaching career in the Marlins organization, working in the minors until moving to the big-league club as the third base coach in 2010.

He remained with the Marlins through the 2013 season before taking a job as a special assistant to New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. He joined the Yankees coaching staff in 2015 and worked as their infield and third base coach through the 2017 season.

Espada is a favourite among players and has strong relationships with everyone on the roster.

"Communication with these players is very important, empower them to have a say in the process," he said. "I've seen this team win a lot of games and I know what it takes to win. I know how to push these players and when to push them and I think it matters."

Mendoza gets 3-year deal

Carlos Mendoza was officially hired as manager of the New York Mets with a three-year contract and the task of leading a turnaround from 2023's huge failure.

The 43-year-old will be introduced Tuesday at Citi Field. His deal includes a team option for 2027.

Mets owner Steve Cohen and his wife Alex were the first people quoted in the team's announcement.

"Carlos brings a wealth of experience to the Mets that includes more than a decade managing and coaching in the minors as well as serving as bench coach the last four years with our cross-town rivals," they said in a statement. "Carlos is full of energy, passion and it was easy to see he'll have a great rapport with both our veteran and young players."

Mendoza spent the past four seasons across town as Aaron Boone's bench coach with the New York Yankees. He replaced Buck Showalter, fired by the Mets on the final day of the season after two years as manager.

"I want Mets fans to know that I will pour every ounce of energy into this job and we share a common goal of bringing a championship to Queens," Mendoza said in a statement.

Mendoza became the major leagues' second Venezuelan-born manager after Ozzie Guillen, who led the Chicago White Sox from 2004-11 and Miami in 2012. Mendoza was Venezuela's bench coach during this year's World Baseball Classic.

His hiring was the Mets' first major move under president of baseball operations David Stearns, hired last month.

"Carlos has a brilliant baseball mind and a finely honed ability to collaborate with others," Stearns said in a statement. "He comes with a fantastic reputation as a trusted leader and someone who has been beloved in every stop of his career. Carlos knows what it takes to lead, especially here in New York, and I am looking forward to partnering with him to bring sustained success to this franchise."