Call Him Flo: Randy Flores Has His Work Cut Out for Him in Houston

Randy Flores, aka Flo, was introduced Monday as the Houston Astros’ new general manager at Daikin Park, with Jim Crane beside him. He said he welcomes the pressure to win.

Matt Kleine was reported as Houston’s top target, but the Astros went with Flores instead.

Flores will lead the search for Houston’s next manager after the organization decided not to renew Joe Espada’s contract. Espada finished his tenure with a 256-229 record and two AL West titles, but the Astros went 0-4 in the postseason under his leadership. Houston was ready for a change, and Flores is the first step in a new direction.

There are lots of changes ahead, but it won’t be a complete teardown. However, that doesn’t mean trades are off the table. The crowded infield is raising one of the biggest trade questions. 

The organization could part ways with Isaac Paredes, Jeremy Peña, or Christian Walker, although trading Walker could be complicated by his age, salary, and limited no-trade clause. 

The infield may be overcrowded with Carlos Correa’s return, but trading Walker might not be the right solution. That will be something Flores will have to figure out. He has experience in several areas of baseball, having worked as a player, broadcaster, tech entrepreneur, scout, and front-office executive.

It was confirmed during the press conference that Flores will have full authority over baseball decisions, but Crane will still be involved. Flores became the Cardinals’ scouting director in 2015, and his impressive resume likely helped him land this job. Flores stood out in the interview process because he is so well-rounded with his experience in the sport of baseball.

Finding a new manager is Flores’ first priority, and he made it clear that he wants to fill the position as soon as possible. He also discussed what he’s looking for in a manager, emphasizing the importance of trust.

Flores will also have to deal with the possibility of a lockout when the current collective bargaining agreement expires December 1. That leaves little time to make roster decisions before a potential freeze on player transactions.

Flores has his work cut out for him, and first things first: find a manager.

Source: Houston Astros (YouTube) - “Astros Name New General Manager”