The Houston Astros are still looking for their next manager. The Astros already addressed their general manager opening by hiring Randy Flores. As for their manager opening, Houston was recently linked to New York Yankees' bench coach Brad Ausmus. On Tuesday, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman officially confirmed that Ausmus is a candidate for the Astros' manager job, via Jorge Castillo of ESPN.
“Brian Cashman confirmed Brad Ausmus is a candidate for the Astros’ managerial job (and was a candidate for their GM job),” Castillo reported.
Ausmus played at the big league level from 1993-2010. He earned one All-Star selection and three Gold Glove Awards during his MLB career. Ausmus spent 10 of his 18 years with the Astros, so coaching in Houston would serve as a reunion.
He has big league managing experience as well. He led the Detroit Tigers from 2014-2017. Detroit had two winning seasons under Ausmus, including a 90-win 2014 campaign. Ausmus would go on to manage the Los Angeles Angels in 2019 as well. He has been the Yankees' bench coach since 2024.
Article Continues BelowThe Astros have also been connected to Albert Pujols. While the slugger who hit 703 home runs (fourth all-time) hasn't managed in MLB, he does have managing experience in the World Baseball Classic. He'd have no trouble earning respect given his Hall of Fame resume as a player.
There will be other candidates as well, but Ausmus and Pujols are certainly in the conversation. The only other manager opening at the moment is the Angels' job. It remains to be seen if Ausmus would have any interest in returning to Anaheim. If the Astros go in a different direction, it wouldn't be surprising to see Ausmus maintain his role with the Yankees in 2027.