Despite leading their division, the Houston Astros made a major shake-up on Monday.
The Astros and general manager Dana Brown mutually agreed to part ways, the team said.
“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.”
Senior advisor Jeff Bagwell and assistant GMs Charles Cook, Gavin Dickey and Connor Huff will assume Brown's duties, the team said.
Brown's contract was set to expire at the of the season.
Houston entered action Monday tied with the Texas Rangers atop the AL West at 65-66. The Astros are coming off a 3-6 homestand that ended Sunday.
“I want to thank Jim Crane for the opportunity to serve in my first role as an MLB general manager,” Brown said in a 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.”
Brown, 59, took over as Astros GM in January 2023 and reached the playoffs in his first two seasons before missing out last year. However, Houston has not won a post-season game since reaching Game 7 of the 2023 ALCS, where it fell to the eventual champion Rangers.
Among Brown's biggest moves was his trade of Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs in December 2024, which returned the Astros key pieces in outfielder Cam Smith and infielder Isaac Paredes.
He previously served in the Toronto Blue Jays' front office from 2010 to 2018, then followed Alex Anthopoulos to the Atlanta Braves from 2019 to 2022.
Brown replaced James Click, who was not given a new contract and left the Astros just days after they won the 2022 World Series.
--with files from The Associated Press
2:04
0:41