Astros Top Target For GM Vacancy Has Been Revealed

The Houston Astros are in a very precarious position as they progress through this offseason, as they need a new general manager and a new manager, but also because they were very inconsistent throughout 2026, so as a result, this roster could look a lot different at the start of the 2027 season.

Shifting focus to the GM search, there has been several names circulating through who the next general manager could be, but it does appear that there is now a clear candidate the Astros would like to pursue.

On that note, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Milwaukee Brewers executive Matt Kleine has emerged as the focus of the GM search for the Astros.

It is important to note that Rome got this information from multiple league sources who spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing process which is very interesting and as a result this process will be worth monitoring.

When it comes to Kleine's career, he is one of the longest tenured members of the front office for the Brewers as he has been with the organization for 19 years and has served in a variety of positions while now being an assistant GM for Milwaukee.

With that said, the Brewers were able to win their first World Series title as they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in Game 5 and clinched the series 4-1 which capped off a very impressive run.

As a result of the Brewers having a great run to a World Series victory, there will be players who will consider leaving to get the highest possible contract, as well as figures in the front office who will be looking to take a step forward in their careers, just like Kleine, and may potentially leave Milwaukee as well.

Getting back to Kleine being a key candidate for the Astros' GM vacancy, Rome noted that Kleine was seen as a major player in this race when he was spotted with Astros owner Jim Crane at the Houston Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony earlier in October, which suggests that Kleine and Crane could have been discussing the possibility even at that point.

Also, Rome did mention that Kleine interned with the Astros in 2007 and while that was quite awhile back, there is at least some familiarity between Kleine and Houston.

In terms of other possible candidates, Crane has interviewed Chicago White Sox assistant general manager Josh Barfield, previous Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, and former Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak. However, Rome did note that Klentak withdrew from consideration in mid-October, so that is something to keep in mind.

All that said, there are still several moving pieces as the Astros continue to look for their next GM, but it does appear that there are a few signs pointing to the fact that Kleine could very well be the top candidate for Crane and Houston as the search continues.

So, with the 2026 MLB season officially over, it will be interesting to see if the Astros are able to bring in Kleine as their next general manager or if it is another candidate. Regardless, this is a major decision for Crane and the Astros that they have to get right.

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