Brad Ausmus Named Houston Astros Manager
The former Team Israel skipper returns to the club where he spent the majority of his playing career to lead the organization in 2026.
By Luana Sato ·
The Houston Astros officially announced on Wednesday that they have hired Brad Ausmus as their new manager. The appointment marks a significant return for the 57 year old, who will become the only active Jewish manager in Major League Baseball. This move concludes a search for leadership and places a familiar face at the helm of the franchise.
For Ausmus, this is the third time he has taken on a managerial role in the major leagues. He previously led the Detroit Tigers from 2014 to 2017 and managed the Los Angeles Angels in 2019. Over his tenure as a manager, he has compiled a career record of 386 wins and 422 losses. The organization will introduce him to the media at a press conference scheduled for Friday at Daikin Park in Houston.
Prior to this hiring, Ausmus served as the bench coach for the New York Yankees from 2024 through 2026. He also held front office positions with the San Diego Padres and the Angels. His connection to Houston is strong, as he interviewed for the managerial vacancy in 2020 and was considered for the general manager position in 2022.
The new manager spent ten of his eighteen major league seasons with the Astros. During his playing career as a catcher, he finished with a .251 batting average, a .325 on base percentage, and a .344 slugging percentage. His defensive skills earned him three Gold Glove Awards while with Houston, and he was selected as an All Star in 1999 during his time with Detroit. According to the Jewish Baseball Museum, his 1,971 career appearances stand as the most ever by a Jewish player.
Ausmus has a notable history with Team Israel. He managed the squad during the qualifiers for the 2013 World Baseball Classic, served on the coaching staff for the 2023 tournament, and managed the team again in 2026. Israel won two of its four games in the 2026 competition, securing a spot in the 2030 event.
Nate Fish, the CEO of Israel Baseball Americas and a former player and coach for the national team, praised the new manager. Fish told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that Ausmus is a perfect big league manager in every way. He noted that Ausmus is smart, calm, and experienced, making him an ideal fit for Houston given his long playing history with the club.
Fish also observed a pattern in Ausmus's career, noting that this is the second time the manager has been hired in the major leagues after a stint with Team Israel. The CEO described the manager as a perfect fit for any team, but specifically highlighted his deep roots in the Houston organization.
In a statement, Ausmus expressed his excitement about returning to Houston. He stated that the Astros and the city have been a huge part of his life. He said he is thrilled to create a new chapter as the team's manager and cannot wait to get to work.
The hiring comes as the team looks to build on its recent history. Ausmus's extensive experience as both a player and a coach in the league positions him to lead the roster through the upcoming season. His familiarity with the team culture and his track record in managing diverse rosters are seen as key assets for the organization.
The announcement has been met with interest from fans and analysts alike. With the press conference approaching, attention turns to how Ausmus will implement his strategies and lead the team toward its goals for the year ahead.
