(Photo credit: Jeff Curry)

The Houston Astros announced Friday that they have hired Randy Flores as their new general manager.

Flores, 51, spent the last 11 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. He became the team's Director of Scouting in 2015 and was promoted to assistant general manager following the 2018 season.

He replaces Dana Brown, who was dismissed by owner Jim Crane on Aug. 24. Brown had served as GM since January 2023. Crane interviewed several people for the job and recent speculation claimed Milwaukee Brewers assistant GM Matt Kleine was the leading candidate.

'I am excited and grateful for this amazing opportunity,' Flores said in a statement. '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.'

'Randy has had a huge impact on the Cardinals over the last 10 seasons,' Crane said in a statement. '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.'

The Astros have reached the American League playoffs nine of the last 10 years - including eight West Division titles -- but they were swept out of the postseason in their last two trips by the Detroit Tigers (2024) and the Chicago White Sox (2026).

Houston won the World Series in 2017 and 2022 and lost the Fall Classic in 2019 and 2021.

Flores, a left-handed pitcher, spent most of his eight-year MLB playing career with the Cardinals. He posted an 11-5 record and 4.61 ERA in 350 appearances (three starts) for the Texas Rangers (2002), Colorado Rockies (2002, 2008-10), Cardinals (2004-08) and Minnesota Twins (2010).

--Field Level Media