The Houston Astros named Brad Ausmus their new manager on November 11, 2026, bringing back a former catcher who spent 10 seasons with the franchise. Ausmus replaces Joe Espada and becomes the 21st manager in Astros history.
Who Is Brad Ausmus?
Brad Ausmus is a former Major League Baseball catcher, coach and manager. Born April 14, 1969, in New Haven, Connecticut, he is 57 years old. He played 18 MLB seasons from 1993 through 2010, appearing in 1,971 games and collecting 1,579 hits. Known for his defensive skills and work with pitching staffs, Ausmus won three Gold Glove Awards and was selected to the 1999 All-Star Game.
Brad Ausmus Named Houston Astros Manager
Astros general manager Randy Flores announced the hiring on Wednesday, November 11. Ausmus succeeds Joe Espada, whose contract was not renewed after the 2026 season. Houston’s former catcher helped the Astros reach their first World Series in 2005 and now returns to lead the club from the dugout.
Which MLB Teams Did Brad Ausmus Play For?
- San Diego Padres (1993–1996)
- Detroit Tigers (1996, 1999–2000)
- Houston Astros (1997–1998, 2001–2008)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (2009–2010)
Ausmus played in 1,259 games for Houston and appeared in 35 postseason games, all with the Astros. He was the team’s starting catcher during its 2005 National League championship run.
Brad Ausmus Managerial Record
Ausmus previously managed the Detroit Tigers from 2014 through 2017 and the Los Angeles Angels in 2019. He enters his Astros tenure with a combined 386–422 regular-season record.
| Team | Seasons | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Tigers | 2014–2017 | 314–332 |
| Los Angeles Angels | 2019 | 72–90 |
| Total | Five seasons | 386–422 |
In his first season managing Detroit, Ausmus guided the Tigers to a 90–72 record and the 2014 AL Central title. Detroit lost to Baltimore in the American League Division Series.
Brad Ausmus Coaching Career
Following his playing career, Ausmus worked in baseball operations with the Padres and Angels. He served as Oakland Athletics bench coach in 2022 and as New York Yankees bench coach from 2024 through 2026, including the Yankees’ 2024 World Series season.
Why Did the Astros Hire Brad Ausmus?
Ausmus brings prior MLB managerial experience, familiarity with the Astros organization and a background working with pitchers. His appointment is an important early decision for new general manager Randy Flores as Houston prepares for the 2027 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Brad Ausmus?
He is 57, born April 14, 1969.
Who is the Houston Astros new manager?
Brad Ausmus was named the Astros manager on November 11, 2026.
What is Brad Ausmus’ managerial record?
He has a 386–422 regular-season record from previous stints with the Tigers and Angels.
Did Brad Ausmus play for Houston?
Yes. He played parts of 10 seasons for the Astros and was their starting catcher in the 2005 World Series.
What’s Next for Brad Ausmus?
Ausmus will lead Houston into the 2027 MLB season, seeking to build on his previous managerial experience and return the Astros to deeper postseason success.