Mariners seek permission to hire rival team’s manager

The Seattle Mariners are exploring an experienced candidate to lead their MLB club, reportedly receiving permission to speak with Houston Astros manager Joe Espada as they search for a new leader. Astros have given the Mariners permission to speak with Joe Espada about their vacant managerial position, per @Feinsand. Astros have not yet made an official decision on Espada’s future with the team. — Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) October 13, 2026 Espada has spent most of the past decade with Houston and could now be considered for a move to a division rival. His contract with the Astros expires at the end of the month, potentially opening the door for the Mariners to pursue the veteran manager. Seattle is looking to rebound after a disappointing 2026 campaign that saw the team miss the postseason, one year after coming within one game of reaching the World Series. MORE: Chourio, Contreras rewriting Brewers’ MLB postseason record books Espada brings championship experience Espada joined the Astros as a bench coach before the 2018 season and spent several years working behind the scenes before receiving his opportunity to manage the club. Following Dusty Baker’s retirement at the end of the 2023 campaign, Espada was promoted to manager, taking charge of a team with championship expectations and an established winning culture. During his time with Houston, Espada was part of an organization that won the 2022 World Series, captured seven American League West division titles and reached the MLB postseason eight times. His experience within a successful organization could make him an attractive option for Seattle, which is hoping to return to contention after falling short this season. However, Espada’s latest campaign ended in disappointment. The Astros were swept by the Chicago White Sox in the 2026 American League Wild Card Series after finishing the regular season with an 81-81 record and winning the AL West. Despite that early postseason exit, Espada’s experience and familiarity with competing in the American League West could appeal to the Mariners as they evaluate their next managerial hire. MORE: White Sox fail miserably in attempt to break 120-year streak Mariners begin search for new leadership Seattle parted ways with manager Dan Wilson at the end of the season after the club finished the 2026 campaign with a 76-86 record. The decision followed a significant step backward from the previous year, when the Mariners advanced to Game 7 of the American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. The organization has made clear that it intends to hire a manager from outside its current system, making Espada a potential fit as the search progresses. With championship experience and extensive knowledge of the division, Espada could provide Seattle with a fresh voice as it attempts to return to the postseason. Whether the Mariners ultimately pursue him remains to be seen, but his reported availability gives the club an intriguing candidate to consider. – Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter –