The Houston Astros are struggling this season, reflecting on their performance amid managerial changes in MLB. Recent firings of Alex Cora and Rob Thomson highlight the pressure on underperforming teams.
Key points
Astros reflecting on their performance this season
Alex Cora fired after Red Sox's poor start
Rob Thomson also fired by the Phillies
High pressure on underperforming MLB teams
Cora quickly found another job offer
Mentioned in this story
Alex CoraRob Thomson
Boston Red SoxPhiladelphia PhilliesMajor League Baseball
BALTIMORE — Sometimes, an incomplete grade is just that.
Red ink can fill the margins, pointing out the pupil’s many failings, yet it’s possible to understand that this is a rough draft and not, hopefully, the final product.
That concept has been increasingly harder to grasp across Major League Baseball in the past 72 hours.
Alex Cora is out in Boston, the Red Sox deeming a 10-17 start cracking open a window to fire their highly respected manager, who indeed needed less than 24 hours to find another job offer.
That brings us to Houston, where a once-perennial playoff club has sputtered to an 11-19 start, with both a manager, Joe Espada, and a general manager, Dana Brown, working without contracts this season.
It is natural to wonder if the Astros will be the next to issue a pink slip to their manager. Yet as Brown noted to USA TODAY Sports: It is very early.
And there is an alternate reality the Astros imagine themselves experiencing this season.
“I know there’s a lot of talent in this room. There’s a hundred wins in this clubhouse right now,” says first baseman Christian Walker.
Q&A
What led to Alex Cora's firing from the Boston Red Sox?
Alex Cora was fired due to the team's poor start of 10-17, prompting the Red Sox to seek a new direction.
Why was Rob Thomson fired by the Philadelphia Phillies?
Rob Thomson was let go as the Phillies, a $283 million team, were underperforming and needed a scapegoat for their struggles.
What does the Astros' current performance indicate about their season?
The Astros' struggles suggest they are not meeting expectations, leading to reflections on their potential and future outcomes.
How have recent managerial changes affected MLB teams?
Recent managerial changes, like those of Cora and Thomson, indicate the high stakes and pressures faced by teams underperforming early in the season.
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Crazy? Maybe.
Yet as the managerial death watch spreads from coast to coast, assigning culpability to the Astros’ last-place showing illustrates how complicated that can be.
The Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.
Cleveland Guardians mascot Slider interacts with fans during game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 17, 2026.
Washington Nationals right fielder Daylen Lile attempts to catch a ball hit for a single by the Pittsburgh Pirates' Jake Mangum during the first inning at PNC Park on April 16, 2026. The Nationals won the game, 8-7.
Milwaukee Brewers catcher Gary Sanchez wears a special chest protector to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at American Family Field on April 15, 2026.
April 13: The Pittsburgh Pirates' Spencer Horwitz celebrates a home run in the dugout while wearing a welder's hood during the 16-5 win over the Washington Nationals at PNC Park.
April 12: Philadelphia Phillies mascot, The Phanatic, entertains fans with local team mascots for a birthday celebration before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park.
April 11: The Tampa Bay Rays' Jonathan Aranda (left) celebrates with Ryan Vilade after hitting a walk-off single against the New York Yankees in the 10th inning of a 5-4 win at Tropicana Field.
The Cleveland Guardians' Jose Ramirez acknowledges the fans after becoming the team's all-time leader in games played against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field on April 6, 2026.
A rainbow appears during the fourth inning during the game between the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 6, 2026.
A fan dresses as the Pope claps during the first inning of the game between the Chicago White Sox and Toronto Blue Jays at Rate Field on April 5, 2026. The White Sox won the game, 3-0, to complete a three-game sweep of the Blue Jays.
The Pittsburgh Pirates' Konnor Griffin celebrates with a traffic cone after making his major-league debut in a 5-4 defeat of the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park on April 3, 2026.
A young Red Sox fan meets Tessie the Boston Red Sox mascot before the Red Sox's home opener against the San Diego Padres at Fenway Park on April 3, 2026.
Cleveland Guardians players warm up as the launch of NASA's Artemis II is shown on the center-field video board at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2026.
Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez (6) and center fielder Jakob Marsee celebrate a victory against the Chicago White Sox at loanDepot Park on April 1, 2026.
Fans try to catch a solo home run hit by the San Francisco Giants' Matt Chapman as San Diego Padres left fielder Nick Castellanos looks on during the third inning at Petco Park on March 31, 2026.
Philadelphia Phillies mascot The Phillie Phanatic entertains fans during the game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on March 31, 2026.
The Toronto Blue Jays' Kazuma Okamoto gets doused with ice water by teammates after a win over the Athletics at Rogers Centre on March 29, 2026.
The Cincinnati Reds' Eugenio Suárez blows a bubble as he waits to bat against the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park on March 28, 2026.
The St. Louis Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt is doused with water by teammates after hitting a walk-off two-run single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the 10th inning at Busch Stadium on March 28, 2026.
Fans react as the Milwaukee Brewers' Jake Bauers homers against the Chicago White Sox at American Family Field on March 26, 2026.
Two F-35C planes from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE Detachment Edwards Air Force Base perform a flyover before the Opening Day game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on March 26, 2026.
1 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.
1 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.
2 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Cleveland Guardians mascot Slider interacts with fans during game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 17, 2026.
3 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Washington Nationals right fielder Daylen Lile attempts to catch a ball hit for a single by the Pittsburgh Pirates' Jake Mangum during the first inning at PNC Park on April 16, 2026. The Nationals won the game, 8-7.
4 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Milwaukee Brewers catcher Gary Sanchez wears a special chest protector to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at American Family Field on April 15, 2026.
5 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
April 13: The Pittsburgh Pirates' Spencer Horwitz celebrates a home run in the dugout while wearing a welder's hood during the 16-5 win over the Washington Nationals at PNC Park.
6 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
April 12: Philadelphia Phillies mascot, The Phanatic, entertains fans with local team mascots for a birthday celebration before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park.
7 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
April 11: The Tampa Bay Rays' Jonathan Aranda (left) celebrates with Ryan Vilade after hitting a walk-off single against the New York Yankees in the 10th inning of a 5-4 win at Tropicana Field.
8 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Cleveland Guardians' Jose Ramirez acknowledges the fans after becoming the team's all-time leader in games played against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field on April 6, 2026.
9 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
A rainbow appears during the fourth inning during the game between the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 6, 2026.
10 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
A fan dresses as the Pope claps during the first inning of the game between the Chicago White Sox and Toronto Blue Jays at Rate Field on April 5, 2026. The White Sox won the game, 3-0, to complete a three-game sweep of the Blue Jays.
11 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Pittsburgh Pirates' Konnor Griffin celebrates with a traffic cone after making his major-league debut in a 5-4 defeat of the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park on April 3, 2026.
12 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
A young Red Sox fan meets Tessie the Boston Red Sox mascot before the Red Sox's home opener against the San Diego Padres at Fenway Park on April 3, 2026.
13 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Cleveland Guardians players warm up as the launch of NASA's Artemis II is shown on the center-field video board at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2026.
14 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez (6) and center fielder Jakob Marsee celebrate a victory against the Chicago White Sox at loanDepot Park on April 1, 2026.
15 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Fans try to catch a solo home run hit by the San Francisco Giants' Matt Chapman as San Diego Padres left fielder Nick Castellanos looks on during the third inning at Petco Park on March 31, 2026.
16 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Philadelphia Phillies mascot The Phillie Phanatic entertains fans during the game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on March 31, 2026.
17 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Toronto Blue Jays' Kazuma Okamoto gets doused with ice water by teammates after a win over the Athletics at Rogers Centre on March 29, 2026.
18 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Cincinnati Reds' Eugenio Suárez blows a bubble as he waits to bat against the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park on March 28, 2026.
19 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The St. Louis Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt is doused with water by teammates after hitting a walk-off two-run single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the 10th inning at Busch Stadium on March 28, 2026.
20 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Fans react as the Milwaukee Brewers' Jake Bauers homers against the Chicago White Sox at American Family Field on March 26, 2026.
21 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Two F-35C planes from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE Detachment Edwards Air Force Base perform a flyover before the Opening Day game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on March 26, 2026.
An MVP, and a roster on the IL
Cora and Thomson’s dismissals hit home particularly for Espada, who counts both of them as good friends. Cora is a fellow Puerto Rican, and Espada was on the New York Yankees staff with Thomson from 2015-2017.
“Just good people,” he says.
Both Cora and Thomson did not deal with the litany of injuries Espada’s faced: Fifteen Astros are on the injured list. Espada’s pregame comments as the Astros began a six-game road trip included the detail that closer Josh Hader faced shortstop Jeremy Peña in live batting practice back in Houston.
Certainly, those guys would help the squad right now.
So, too, would starting pitchers Hunter Brown and, perhaps, Tatsuya Imai, who made a rehab start in Class AAA and should return soon, hopefully for the Astros as sound of mind as body. Brown, who finished third in AL Cy Young voting last year, could return by June as he recovers from a right shoulder strain.
Yet the Astros do have the planet’s greatest hitter at the moment on their side.
Yordan Alvarez has rebounded from an injury-plagued season with what might prove to be his greatest one yet, among the league leaders in homers (11) and RBI (26), and leading the majors in OPS (1.199). Carlos Correa – Astros version 2.0 – is showing well thus far and Walker has continued a resurgence that began in the second half of 2025, with seven homers and a .299 average.
Yet the lineup hollows out in the bottom half. On Tuesday, April 28, the Astros gave Kai-Wei Teng the first start of his career, and he did well to complete three innings with just two runs given up.
The guys in the infirmary are undoubtedly missed.
“That’s one of the hardest parts of going on the IL, whether you’re the guy getting hurt or you’re trying to hold the ship steady until these guys come back – it’s adversity,” says Walker. “I’ve had enough time on the IL in my career to know you feel bad. Whether out of your control or in your control.
“You feel like there’s something more you could do to help the team. And it’s not true – injuries are a part of what we do.”
Little help on the farm
In a perfect world, the Astros would have the depth to backfill those holes. Yet it’s been a long time since the club had so many good players in its system, it didn’t know what to do with them: Talents like Teoscar Hernández, Ramon Laureano, J.D. Davis and Joe Musgrove went on to become starters, or stars, somewhere else.
But that was more than one front-office regime ago. Mike Elias, the club’s scouting director who laid the groundwork for their talent overload in their glory years is now the GM in Baltimore.
Eight consecutive playoff appearances means an awful lot of drafting at the back of the first round, with a diminished bonus pool. Yet after Elias’s 2018 departure and the 2020 firing of former GM Jeff Luhnow as the club’s sign-stealing scandal was revealed, the groups that followed have not produced talent like their peers.
From 2019 through 2024, Astros drafts yielded 20 major leaguers – but 11 of them have produced negative Wins Above Replacement. Brown, the ace currently on the IL, has produced a 10.5 WAR, the only one higher than a 1.2 WAR.
The other 19 have combined for -0.4 WAR.
That pales in comparison to clubs like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, who like the Astros were perennial playoff contenders (the Yankees missed in 2023).
The Dodgers produced 17 major leaguers, three fewer than Houston, but seven are at least one win above replacement and they’ve totaled 19.5 WAR. Homegrown arms like Emmet Sheehan and Justin Wrobleski have fortified a rotation that’s also benefited from their huge spending on aces like Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
As for the Yankees? There are 17 major leaguers in their recent draftees totaling 36.8 WAR, including a burgeoning ace, Cam Schlittler, drafted in the seventh round and slugger Ben Rice, picked in the 12th round in 2021.
Not that the story’s been totally written for all those Astros draftees.
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada looks out at the field before the start of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on April 28, 2026.
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada looks out at the field before the start of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on April 28, 2026.
'Just gotta weather the storm'
Brice Matthews, an area kid from Humble, Texas, was picked 28th overall out of Nebraska in 2023. He had a 13-game cameo in 2025, but now, with center fielder Jake Myers ailing, has been getting regular starts in center and left. He brought six hits in 44 at-bats – a .136 average, a .224 OBP – into Tuesday’s series opener at Baltimore.
He proceeded to open eyes, tallying a career-best three hits and lashing a 97-mph Shane Baz fastball 387 feet to the opposite field for a home run that halved the Astros’ deficit.
They’d eventually lose, 5-3, but modest steps forward can occasionally lead to better days.
“This was something I always thought I could do. It wasn’t a surprise for me,” says Matthews. “Honestly, I feel like I could do it each and every night.
“But it’s baseball. It’s not going to go your way each and every night. You just have to keep competing.”
Which is what Espada and Co. will do. His first year as manager started disastrously, with a 12-24 record in his first 36 games. That club eventually figured it out, buoyed by the subtraction of slumping slugger Jose Abreu in June, and once again won the AL West.
This time around, the division is better. The pitching is a little thinner. Stalwart Jose Altuve turns 36 in a week. The standings are what they are.
“Just quantifying people’s worth and all that on just a record can be tough sometimes,” says Walker. “There’s a lot that goes into it. You ask the players, it’s on us. You ask a coach, they feel like they need to be doing better in some ways to prepare us.
“Everybody wants to be accountable. I think the reality is, fan bases get impatient and feeling like you’re going out and losing every night can be hard to swallow.
“The players feel like, it’s just a matter of time. It’s coming. We just gotta weather the storm. But I guess the optics of that can be tricky sometimes.”
A couple years ago, the tincture of time proved restorative and the Astros eventually sprayed champagne. Cora and Thomson didn’t get that luxury, not this year.
What the Astros do have is 132 games, and an apparent aversion to panic.
“I do wish, sometimes, everybody seeing the game of baseball could take the long approach,” says Walker. “We play 162 games for a reason.
