Astros' 2 Top Contenders for Dusty Baker Replacement, Revealed

(Photo : Bob Levey/Getty Images) HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 26: Dusty Baker Jr. speaks to the media as he announces his retirement from manager of the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.

The Houston Astros are on the prowl for a new team manager and it appears they have two potential candidates to take over from Dusty Baker.

The two names that have surfaced are Brad Ausmus and Joe Espada according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Brad Ausmus and Joe Espada will be strong candidates for the Astros' managerial opening.
Ausmus finished runner-up to Dusty Baker as manager, and also a runner-up to Dana Brown as GM.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 26, 2023

However, the scribe added that of the two, Ausmus may have the edge since this is not the first time he has been linked to the organization. The 54-year-old is a former Houston Astros player and served as team manager for the Detroit Tigers (2014 to 2017) and the Los Angeles Angels (2019).

Ausmus last served as bench coach for the Oakland Athletics in 2022. However, it was announced that the three-time Golden Glove Award winner was seeking a front-office position in November of that same year. He did not return as bench coach in 2023, the Mercury News reported.

The Connecticut native was linked to the Astros general manager position last winter but reportedly finished second to Dana Brown, CBS Sports noted.

Espada’s tenure could land managerial job

Joe Espada may also be a sensible choice to succeed Baker. He has served as bench coach in 2018 and his familiarity could be an asset on his part.

The 48-year-old has interviewed for other positions in the past years, particularly with the Miami Marlins and the Chicago White Sox. He could be a sensible choice to take over as Astros team manager.

Although there are a lot of names that make sense, these two names are already tough to choose from.

Dusty Baker officially announced his retirement on Tuesday, October 24, although he still plans to be involved in an advisory role, USA Today reported.