In a surprising turn of events, it has been reported that Dusty Baker, the current manager of the Houston Astros, is set to retire after the 2023 season. The news comes on the heels of a disappointing performance by the Astros, who suffered a resounding defeat at the hands of their division rival Rangers.

During his tenure as the Astros manager, Baker led the team to a remarkable 320-226 record. Under his guidance, the Astros reached the American League Championship Series (ALCS) for four consecutive years, ultimately winning the pennant twice and capturing a World Series title once.

Despite this success, it has become evident that a change in leadership is necessary for the Astros. Baker's loyalty to underperforming veterans and reluctance to play younger talent proved costly for the team, particularly in crucial moments during the season.

As the Astros look towards the future, five potential replacements for Baker have emerged as strong contenders. One of the frontrunners is Joe Espada, who has been serving as the team's bench coach since the 2018 season. With his intimate knowledge of the clubhouse culture and previous managerial candidacy outside of the organization, Espada brings a wealth of experience to the table.

Notably, Espada showcased his decision-making prowess during Game 5 when Baker was ejected from the game. It was Espada who made the critical choice to pinch-hit for Jeremy Peña, effectively landing the plane and making a significant impact on the outcome.

Having been a part of a World Series-winning team as a bench coach under two different managers, Espada's potential hiring would bring a sense of consistency to the Astros. It is expected that he would embrace analytics and incorporate front office input, which were aspects that Baker often struggled with.

As talks of Baker's retirement continue to circulate, the Astros organization will undoubtedly focus on finding a new manager who can build upon the team's successes and guide them towards further achievements. With a strong pool of potential candidates, including Joe Espada, the future of the Astros rests in capable hands.