The Houston Astros have parted ways with general manager Dana Brown on Monday night following the team’s 7-6 loss to the Athletics.
Brown had served as the team’s GM since January of 2023, but was on an expiring contract that was set to lapse at season’s end. According to the team’s press release, his responsibilities will be assumed by assistant GMs Charles Cook, Gavin Dickey, Connor Huff as well as Jeff Bagwell.
“Over the past four seasons, Dana has helped our organization win two division titles and has led our baseball front office through key scouting, Draft and development efforts,” owner Jim Crane said in a statement. “On behalf of the Astros, I want to thank him for his commitment, energy and contributions to our organization. We wish he and his family the best.”
“I want to thank Jim Crane for the opportunity to serve in my first role as an MLB General Manager,” Brown said via statement. “The Astros organization and the fans have welcomed me and my family, and I am grateful to have called Houston home for the past four seasons. I wish the organization well and I look forward to the future as I continue my 36-plus years in professional baseball.”
Despite still being technically atop the AL West at 65-66, Houston have been playing sub .500 baseball for nearly a month now and have seen their divisional lead disappear over the last week. The Astros are currently tied with the Texas Rangers, and hold just a 3 game lead over the Seattle Mariners as on Monday.
Since the trade deadline, the club has gone 7-11 after fans voiced their displeasure over the team’s lack of moves. While Brown did acquire former Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varshon in exchange for pitcher Spencer Arrighetti, it was a relatively quiet deadline for a roster which was in sore need of another arm, and outfield bat.
Prior to joining the Astros, Brown was the VP of scouting in Atlanta where he was heralded for his drafting of players such as Michael Harris II and Spencer Strider. Unfortunately, due to a lack of picks as a result of the club’s sign stealing scandals, Brown inherited a barren farm system in Houston and was never able to get it back on its feet.
That, coupled with the loss of Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker made this season a “make or break” year for the GM. Unfortunately, a late season stumble seems to have been the final straw for ownership as they look to keep the club’s playoff hopes alive by making an in season change to the front office.
Houston will now travel to New York for a 3 game series vs. the Yankees, before heading across town to take on the Mets. The team is off on Monday but will kick off their road trip with a 7:05pm ET first pitch on Tuesday night.
Photo: Austin Thomas. This file is a work of a U.S. Army soldier or employee, taken or made as part of that person’s official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, it is in the public domain in the United States.