Astros Grant Joe Espada Permission to Interview With Mariners

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada has received permission from the organization to interview with the Seattle Mariners regarding their managerial vacancy, according to reporting by Mark Feinsand, Daniel Kramer, and Brian McTaggart on MLB.com. The permission comes as Espada enters an uncertain offseason following a quick postseason exit for the Astros.

Houston Astros Manager Joe Espada Granted Permission to Interview With Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners are considering Espada to fill their open manager position after firing Dan Wilson at the conclusion of the season, according to reporting by Mark Feinsand, Daniel Kramer, and Brian McTaggart on MLB.com. Seattle finished the 2026 season with a 76-86 record, missing the playoffs after advancing to the American League Championship Series Game 7 the previous year.

Espada’s future in Houston drew questions after the Astros finished the regular season with an 81-81 record. Despite the even record, the team captured the American League West title before getting swept 2-0 by the Chicago White Sox in the American League Wild Card Series on September 30, 2026.

Managerial Tenure and Background With the Houston Organization

The Houston front office previously parted ways with general manager Dana Brown. The Astros named Espada their manager ahead of the 2024 season, after serving as the team’s bench coach from 2018 through 2023.

During his first season at the helm in 2024, Espada led Houston to a first-place finish in the American League West with an 88-73 record, though the club fell 2-0 to the Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card Series. The Astros finished with an 87-75 record and missed the postseason in Espada’s second year before capturing the division crown with an 81-81 record in 2026. Espada also won a World Series ring with the Astros as a coach in 2022.