Houston Astros name Randy Flores as new general manager

The Houston Astros have officially hired Randy Flores as the club’s 15th general manager, replacing Dana Brown, who was let go in August. Flores, a former major league left-handed reliever, joins Houston after spending over a decade in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, most recently serving as their assistant general manager of amateur and professional acquisition.

Owner Jim Crane described Flores as a “perfect fit” due to his extensive experience across various areas of baseball operations. Flores is the first former player to lead Astros baseball operations since the mid-1990s. He noted that his own career as a player provides him with empathy for the modern professional athlete.

Flores’ immediate priority is hiring a new manager to replace Joe Espada, whose contract was not renewed following the team’s Wild Card round sweep. The search for a manager is already underway, with reports suggesting candidates such as New York Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus and former Astros player Morgan Ensberg may be considered. Flores indicated he will work in coordination with Crane to find a leader who possesses trust, energy, and chemistry.