Astros Front Office Turn: Flores to Succeed Brown

The Houston Astros named Randy Flores as their new general manager on Friday, filling a leadership vacancy that has hung over the franchise since August. Flores, 51, replaces Dana Brown, whose contract was allowed to expire after the team was eliminated from the postseason.

The hiring follows a turbulent end to the 2026 campaign for Houston. The Astros finished with an 81-81 record, securing the American League West title for the fifth time in six years. Despite the division crown, the team became the first major league club to reach the playoffs with a losing record in a non-shortened season. Their postseason run ended abruptly when they were swept by the Chicago White Sox in the Wild Card Series.

Brown was let go on Aug. 24. Following his departure, three assistant general managers and special adviser Jeff Bagwell shared the duties of running the baseball operations department. The Astros also face a manager search, as Joe Espada’s contract was not renewed after the Wild Card loss.

Flores brings a decade of front office experience to Houston. He joined the St. Louis Cardinals organization in 2015 as a scout. He served as their assistant general manager of amateur and pro acquisition from 2019 through 2026. This role makes him the 15th general manager in Astros history.

Before his front office career, Flores pitched in the majors for eight seasons between 2002 and 2010. The left-hander recorded an 11-5 record with a 4.61 ERA and four saves. He made 347 relief appearances and three starts for the Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Minnesota Twins.

Astros owner Jim Crane said the team was impressed by Flores’s background in player acquisition. “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. We’re happy to welcome Randy and his family to the Astros and we can’t wait to get to work on bringing another championship to Houston.”

Flores expressed gratitude for the opportunity in a statement. “I am excited and grateful for this amazing opportunity,” Flores said. “The Astros have a long winning tradition under Jim Crane and I look forward to contributing to the success. I want to thank the Cardinals organization for the opportunities and support that made this next chapter possible. My family and I are excited to make Houston home.” The Astros will formally introduce Flores at a news conference at Daikin Park on Monday morning.