Astros Rumors: Eduardo Perez to Interview for HOU's Manager Opening

The Houston Astros will reportedly interview Eduardo Perez on Tuesday as they search for a new manager.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported on the meeting after Andy Martino of SNY relayed word of Houston's interest earlier on Monday. Perez is currently an analyst for ESPN after a 13-year career in the majors as a player.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Astros are hoping to hire a manager by Feb. 2.

Houston must find a new manager less than a month before the start of spring training after A.J. Hinch was fired last week following a sign-stealing scandal. Bench coach Joe Espada was named interim manager, but the team is looking for a permanent replacement.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora and New York Mets manager Carlos Beltran also lost their jobs due to their involvement with the team in 2017.

"This is very unique. This is something not any of us have seen," Perez said about the scandal, per Danny Abriano of SNY. "...I believe it's more widespread. But at the same time, this could be the examples that are being made of that let everyone know. If you're doing something, if you're planning on doing something, shut it down and shut it down quickly."

While Perez was a finalist for the Mets job last time around, he reportedly hasn't been contacted since the role opened back up, per Abriano.

The 50-year-old has experience with the Astros, working as the bench coach in 2013. He was also a hitting coach for the Marlins in 2011-12 and has managed teams in Puerto Rico and in the World Baseball Classic. The rest of his post-playing career has mostly been as an analyst for ESPN from 2006-10 and then again from 2014 until now.

Houston needs someone who can steady the ship after the latest scandal, although the talent is still there after winning 311 regular-season games over the past three seasons combined.