Brad Ausmus grabs attention with admission about becoming Astros’ new manager

With New York Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus introduced as the new Houston Astros manager, it marks a new era for the team after Joe Espada has been the skipper since 2024. As Ausmus prepares to be the Astros' manager, he spoke Friday during his introductory press conference and gave insight into the interview process, where he revealed that being the skipper wasn't the only reason.

Ausmus was a catcher in the MLB from 1993 to 2010, where he had two stints with Houston, first from1997 to 1998, and then again from 2001 to 2008, winning three Gold Gloves in his second go-around with the Astros. He has managerial experience, being the skipper for the Detroit Tigers from 2014 to 2017 and then with the Los Angeles Angels in 2019.

He expressed Friday that he interviewed for Houston's general manager job before it was taken by Randy Flores, though he “came away convinced” he was not getting the role, according to Matt Kawahara.

“Said he came away convinced he was not getting the GM job and thought he might be a manager candidate but was not assured the job at that point,” Kawahara wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Brad Ausmus reflects on being with the Astros as a player

Ausmus continued about being the new Astros manager, saying how “very excited” he is for the opportunity, further expressing that when he looks back on his playing career, he's wearing a Houston uniform. However, Ausmus doesn't want to solely focus on the “glory days,” but wants to create more with the ball club.

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“I'm here to talk about the Houston Astros today, and the Houston Astros going into 2027, which is now my main focus, and certainly, goal to win the World Series,” Ausmus said via MLB.com. “Making the playoffs, great step. Winning the division, great step. But the goal is and should be, every single year, to win the World Series.”

Ausmus looks to lead the Astros in 2027 as the team looks to improve after finishing with an 81-81 record, good enough to win the AL Central, though being eliminated in the wild card round by the Chicago White Sox.