Houston Astros owner Jim Crane confirmed Tuesday that manager Joe Espada will remain in his role for the rest of the season, a day after the team parted ways with general manager Dana Brown. The decision to move on from Brown, whose contract expired at season's end, was described as mutual. Senior adviser Jeff Bagwell and assistant general managers Charles Cook, Gavin Dickey, and Connor Huff will assume Brown's responsibilities, while Crane oversees baseball operations during the transition.

Crane emphasized the move was not influenced by the team's recent nine losses in 14 games. Houston (65-66) entered Tuesday 5½ games out in the AL West. Espada, promoted from bench coach after Dusty Baker's 2023 retirement, holds a 240-214 record. He helped the Astros recover from a 12-24 start to win the AL West in 2024. Espada called his conversation with Brown emotional, noting their close working relationship over three and a half years.

Crane stated the expectation remains making the playoffs annually. The Astros reached a seventh straight ALCS in 2023 but missed the postseason in 2024 for the first time since 2016. Crane met with Espada before addressing reporters, stressing focus on winning the division.