Joe Espada is stepping into his role as the new manager of the Houston Astros, armed with insights gained from two of the team’s most successful managers. A.J. Hinch and Dusty Baker have left a legacy of triumph, with Hinch securing the Astros’ first World Series win in 2017 and Baker winning his first championship as a manager in 2022. Espada, appointed in November after Baker’s retirement, expressed his gratitude towards both mentors during an Astroline podcast episode aired last Friday.
Speaking from spring training in West Palm Beach, Florida, Espada reflected on his journey with the Astros, which began before the 2018 season when he joined Hinch’s coaching staff. Having been drafted alongside Hinch by the Oakland Athletics in 1996, Espada shared a long history with him. He recalled reaching out to Hinch after a wild-card game loss in 2015, admiring Hinch’s dedication to leading the Astros to victory. This connection eventually led to Espada being offered the position of bench coach, an opportunity he saw as more than a mere job promotion but a chance to contribute to a thriving organization.
Under Hinch’s guidance, Espada was part of a team that won five AL West titles, three American League pennants, and a World Series championship, marking a period of significant success for the Astros. He praised the culture of excellence and ambition within the team, which motivated him to join and ultimately shaped his career.
Espada’s experiences with Baker were equally influential, albeit in a different manner. He admired Baker’s unique leadership style, especially during the challenging times following the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. Baker’s emphasis on teamwork and inclusion left a lasting impression on Espada, who praised Baker’s ability to navigate the team through adversity while maintaining a cohesive and motivated group.
The new Astros manager is thankful for the lessons from Hinch and Baker. Espada’s time with them has enriched his understanding of baseball management and prepared him to lead the Astros with a blend of strategic excellence and collaborative leadership. As he embarks on this new chapter, Espada is eager to apply these lessons and continue the Astros’ legacy of success.