The Houston Astros are nearing an end to their search for a successor to Dusty Baker.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale and the New York Post's Jon Heyman reported Houston is expected to hire Joe Espada, who has been the Astros' bench coach since 2018.
Baker served as manager of the Astros from 2020-23 leading the team to four consecutive appearances in the American League Championship Series in his four seasons at the helm. Houston also reached the World Series back-to-back in 2021 and 2022, winning it all in 2022.