Astros owner Jim Crane says GM change was needed, no manager decision yet

Houston Astros owner Jim Crane spoke to the media at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, the first comments since the club dismissed general manager Dana Brown on Monday. Crane said the organization needed a change but emphasized that no decision regarding manager Joe Espada will be made until the season concludes.

The Astros, sitting 65-66 and half a game behind the American League West leader, have struggled recently, going 3-6 in a recent homestand. Crane noted that the recent performance did not drive the GM’s departure. > "It was a tough conversation. They're never easy, and, you know, I think he was disappointed, but he was very professional, and he handled it accordingly," he said.

Brown, hired in January 2023, was in the final year of his contract. His duties will be assumed by assistant general managers Charles Cook, Gavin Dickey and Connor Huff, with senior advisor Jeff Bagwell also involved, while Crane oversees baseball operations during the transition.

Crane attributed part of the team's underperformance to injuries and ineffective pitching acquisitions, including the signing of Tatsuya Imai and the trade for Mike Burrows. He praised Espada’s efforts given the limited roster, stating the manager is prepared to win games.

No timetable was given for hiring a new GM, and Crane said the search will continue after the season. Potential candidates mentioned in prior discussions include Brad Ausmus, James Harris and Bobby Evans, but Crane confirmed that no interviews have begun.

Espada met with players to address a personal matter that caused him to miss a recent game. > "I wanted the players to know where my heart is. I really appreciate how the players care about things more than just baseball," he said.