In international competition, Espada has coached for Puerto Rico, winning two silver medals in the World Baseball Classic (WBC).

He was selected in the second round of the 1996 MLB draft by the Oakland Athletics, and played in the A's minor league system until 2000.

As a free agent the following year, Espada signed with the Florida Marlins, and subsequently played in four other organizations and independent baseball, reaching as high as Triple-A with a total of five seasons at that level.

[5] He later played in the minor leagues for the Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, and Tampa Bay Devil Rays organizations.

He had coached previously for the Puerto Rican national team during the 2013 World Baseball Classic (WBC).

[2] Instead, Espada took a job with the New York Yankees as a special assistant to general manager Brian Cashman.

[14] On 13 November 2023, following the 2023 season, Espada was promoted to manage the Astros after the retirement of Dusty Baker, as 25th in franchise history.

[15][16] On April 1, 2024, Espada's first victory arrived via a no-hit effort from starting pitcher Ronel Blanco, the 17th such achievement in franchise history.

Additionally, it was the club's fourth consecutive division title, 14th in franchise history, and ninth postseason berth in 10 seasons.