Dusty Baker's successor reportedly found, and Astros didn't have to look too far
Espada has served as Houston's bench coach since 2018.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Astros have scheduled a Monday news conference where the team is expected to announce bench coach Joe Espada's promotion to manager, multiple reports state.
As USA Today's Bob Nightengale first reported on Sunday, Espada, a fixture in the Astros' dugout since 2018, is getting the nod to succeed Dusty Baker, who retired after 26 seasons managing baseball, including four in Houston.
The Associated Press and ESPN's Jeff Passan also reported Espada's promotion, citing sources.
The video above is from a previous report shortly after the Astros' elimination from the 2023 postseason.
The team announced a news conference with general manager Dana Brown is scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m. at Minute Maid Park but didn't add whether Espada is its managerial hire.
The expected hiring closes a nearly three-week search that reports linked to names like former Brewers manager Craig Counsell and former Braves third-base coach Ron Washington, who both were hired elsewhere in the last week.
Espada, 48, has attracted interest for other managerial jobs dating back to after the 2019 season, but he has remained as a reliable hand not just for Baker but also for former Houston manager AJ Hinch.
His experience of more than a decade includes stints with the Miami Marlins and the New York Yankees. He also coached the Puerto Rican national team in two World Baseball Classic tournaments in 2013 and 2017.
SEE MORE: Meet Joe Espada, Houston bench coach who served under AJ Hinch, Dusty Baker
