Former Astros Star Josh Reddick to Join Team as Instructor This Spring

Reddick will work with Astros' young outfielders during Spring Training in West Palm Beach

Feb. 22, 2026 at 9:40pm

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Former Houston Astros outfielder Josh Reddick will join the team as a guest instructor during Spring Training this year. Reddick, who played for the Astros from 2017-2020, including on their 2017 championship team, will spend a six-day stretch working with the club's young outfielders at their facility in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Why it matters

The Astros are entering the 2026 season with an unproven group of outfielders, so Reddick's experience and expertise will be valuable in helping develop that young talent. As a former Astros player, Reddick has familiarity with the organization and can provide unique insights to the current crop of players.

The details

Reddick confirmed that Astros manager Joe Espada invited him to serve as a guest instructor for the first week of March. Reddick plans to work as a "rover" coach, assisting any outfielders who want help during morning drills and then observing them during games. While Reddick acknowledged he can't single-handedly shape the careers of the Astros' young outfielders, he hopes to be a sounding board and provide guidance based on his 13 years of MLB experience.

  • Reddick received the invitation from manager Joe Espada about four days ago.
  • Reddick will be in West Palm Beach for a six-day stretch starting in early March.

The players

Josh Reddick

A former outfielder who spent four seasons with the Houston Astros from 2017-2020, including on their 2017 championship team. Reddick is a 13-year MLB veteran who will now serve as a guest instructor for the Astros during Spring Training.

Joe Espada

The current manager of the Houston Astros, who invited Reddick to join the team as a guest instructor for Spring Training.

Cam Smith

One of the young outfielders on the Astros' roster who will look to benefit from Reddick's coaching and experience.

Joey Loperfido

Another young outfielder on the Astros' roster who will look to gain from Reddick's guidance during Spring Training.

Zach Cole

A third young outfielder on the Astros' roster who will work with Reddick during Spring Training.

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What they’re saying

“Joe Espada called me about four days ago asking if I would come down and work with the outfield for a six-day stretch. I gotta say, I was pretty excited. I never thought I'd be this excited about going and doing a 'coaching role,' but I'm pretty stoked about it.”

— Josh Reddick

“This baseball thing, it's the exact same thing you've been playing since you were 5 years old.”

— Josh Reddick

What’s next

Reddick has not discussed his exact plans with manager Joe Espada, but noted he plans to work as a de facto "rover" coach, assisting any outfielders who want help during morning drills and then observing them during games.

The takeaway

Reddick's return to the Astros organization as a guest instructor during Spring Training represents an opportunity for the team's young, unproven outfielders to benefit from the experience and expertise of a former Astros player who was part of the team's championship run. Reddick's willingness to share his knowledge and insights could pay dividends for the Astros as they look to develop their next generation of outfield talent.