Joe Espada’s contract with the Houston Astros expired Wednesday, capping a season that ended with a Wild Card Series sweep at the hands of the Chicago White Sox. The Astros went 81-81, becoming the first team in MLB history to reach the postseason with a losing record, and they’ve now been swept at home in the wild card round two years in a row.

The complicating factor is the front office. General manager Dana Brown was fired in August, and Houston is still searching for his replacement, which means the club could be filling both the GM and manager jobs in the same offseason. Espada, who is 256-229 in three seasons but remains winless in the playoffs, said he wants to return: “Absolutely.”

Players have largely backed him, with Yordan Alvarez and Jose Altuve both supporting the manager during a difficult year. Owner Jim Crane has yet to signal his plans. What do you think, Waxahachie: should the Astros keep Espada, or is it time for a fresh start?