Astros hire Cardinals executive Randy Flores after 81-win season

The Houston Astros hired Randy Flores as their 15th general manager on Oct. 30, 2026. Flores, 51, was the St. Louis Cardinals assistant general manager for amateur scouting and player development after 11 years in the organization, rising from director of scouting to assistant GM in 2018. He pitched in the majors from 2002 to 2010, making 350 relief appearances with a 4.61 ERA and winning a World Series with the Cardinals in 2006. Houston finished 2026 with 81 wins, won the AL West, and lost to the Chicago White Sox in the AL Wild Card Series. Owner Jim Crane said Flores had a huge impact on the Cardinals over the last 10 seasons and that the team was thoroughly impressed with his scouting and player-acquisition background. Dana Brown was fired as GM in late August 2026. Joe Espada’s non-renewal was announced Oct. 14. Scott Barzilla reported numerous sources said Milwaukee’s Matt Kleine was the preferred choice and that talks broke down, with accounts differing on a president of baseball operations title versus money; Barzilla said it is unclear if Flores was nearly even or a clear second choice. Mike Rizzo was also interviewed. Flores is to hire a manager and set the club’s direction.