Astros name Flores new front office chief

Houston fans and employees now have a new decision-maker in the front office. The Astros hired Randy Flores as their general manager on Friday. Flores takes over the role previously held by Dana Brown. Brown was let go in August, just as his contract was set to expire.

Flores, 51, is the 15th general manager in the franchise’s history. He spent the last decade with the St. Louis Cardinals. He joined their staff in 2015 as director of scouting. From 2019 through 2026, he served as assistant general manager for amateur and pro acquisition. Before his front office career, Flores pitched in the majors for eight seasons between 2002 and 2010. He finished with an 11-5 record and a 4.61 ERA for four teams.

Astros owner Jim Crane said the team was impressed with Flores’s background. “Randy has had a huge impact on the Cardinals over the last 10 seasons,” Crane said. “Throughout the entire interview process we’ve been thoroughly impressed with Randy and his background in scouting and player acquisition.” Crane added that the family is being welcomed to Houston and that the goal is to bring another championship.

Flores expressed gratitude for the move in his own statement. “I am excited and grateful for this amazing opportunity,” Flores said. He noted the club’s winning tradition under Crane and thanked the Cardinals for their support. He said his family is ready to make Houston their home.

The new GM faces an immediate challenge. The Astros must hire a new field manager this offseason. Joe Espada’s contract was not renewed after the team lost the Wild Card Series to the Chicago White Sox. Houston finished the 2026 regular season with an 81-81 record. They won the AL West for the fifth time in six years. This marked the first time a major league club without a winning record reached the playoffs in a non-shortened season.

Since Brown’s departure on Aug. 24, three assistant general managers and Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell handled his duties. Bagwell served as a special adviser during the final months of the season. Flores will be formally introduced to the public at a news conference at Daikin Park on Monday morning.