Both teams were eliminated during the opening Wild Card round of this year's Postseason. Espada's contract was set to expire at the end of October, but the team ultimately decided to cut ties before then.
The 51-year-old Puerto Rican was an assistant coach with Houston from 2018-2023, ironically helping the Astros beat Philadelphia in the 2022 World Series.
Espada took over as manager in 2024 and went 256-229 over three seasons, losing in the Wild Card both times they went. Their 81-81 record this season won the AL West division title but set an MLB record for the worst record by any team to make the Postseason.
"We're thankful for Joe's hard work, his passion for the game, and for his commitment to the Houston Astros," said Jim Crane, the team owner and chairman.
Mattingly, who took over the Phillies as an interim manager after Rob Thomson was fired in April following a 9-19 start, went 79-55 the rest of the way and was rewarded with a deal through the 2028 campaign.
Former Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora rejected an offer for the job in April and told Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski last week he was not planning to manage in the 2027 campaign, setting the stage for Mattingly's return.
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