The Houston Astros have solidified their coaching staff for the upcoming Major League Baseball season with the addition of two new members. The team announced the hiring of Ethan Katz as assistant pitching coach and Tim Cossins as catching instructor, finalizing the group’s composition ahead of spring training.
Ethan Katz joins the Astros following his previous experience as a pitching coach, most notably with the Chicago White Sox. Known for his work with young pitchers and a strong track record of helping players improve their mechanics and performance, Katz is expected to provide valuable support on the pitching side. He brings a data-driven approach and has been credited with successful player development at the major league level. His role as assistant pitching coach in Houston will see him work closely with the team’s pitchers, aiding in their preparation and in-game strategy.
Tim Cossins, who takes on the role of catching instructor, also brings an extensive background to the Astros’ staff. Cossins previously worked with the Baltimore Orioles in a similar capacity and has decades of professional coaching experience. He is widely respected for his ability to develop catchers’ defensive skills and their game-calling acumen. In his new position, Cossins will provide instruction and guidance to Houston’s catching corps, focusing on both fundamentals and strategic aspects of the role.
The additions of Katz and Cossins mark the completion of the Astros’ coaching staff for the new season. These hires are part of the team’s broader efforts to maintain competitive performance and enhance player development through experienced coaching. Manager Joe Espada, who is preparing for his first season at the helm, will now have a full complement of coaches as the team turns its attention to offseason workouts and the upcoming campaign.
With the coaching staff in place, the Astros are positioned to begin the next phase of preparation as they aim to build on recent seasons and remain a strong contender in the American League.