Houston Astros Interview Former Nationals Executive Mike Rizzo for GM

The Houston Astros are looking for a new general manager after parting ways with former GM Dana Brown back in August. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Mike Rizzo is interviewing for the position on Monday, October 26.

The Astros are in a transition phase after parting ways with Dana Brown, Joe Espada, and a few other coaches. Finding the right general manager is an important piece of the puzzle.

Could Mike Rizzo be the right fit?

Rizzo joined the Washington Nationals in 2006 as an assistant general manager. Then he became the Washington Nationals' general manager in 2009. He was later promoted to president of baseball operations in 2013.

Under his leadership, Washington won four NL East division titles in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017. Rizzo played a major role in building the Nationals team that defeated the Astros in seven games in the 2019 World Series.

But that is not all he has accomplished in his career.

He has made a couple of notable roster moves, including signing Max Scherzer in 2015 and acquiring Trea Turner in a trade. That said, after nearly two decades in the organization, Washington fired Rizzo in July 2025 after the Nationals failed to record a winning season following their 2019 championship. His downfall in Washington might lead him to make his way to Houston.

Rizzo is reportedly interested in working for Houston and respects owner Jim Crane. If Rizzo is chosen as the answer for Houston, he would inherit several offseason decisions, including Houston's crowded infield and pitching depth.

He has the experience and the past success. Between working in the front office, building the Nationals' 2019 championship team, overseeing major roster decisions, including trades and player development, and serving as president of baseball operations, he has a well-rounded career so far. Could he be the answer to the Houston Astros' problems?

There are questions to be answered, though, and here is a look at the top three issues Rizzo would be walking into: pitching performance, plate consistency, and a crowded infield.

The Astros’ pitching performance was all over the place. Injuries hit the rotation early on, and inconsistent performances led to many of their brutal losses. Their staff needs some new arms and some work.

At the plate, Houston has serious talent with Yordan Alvarez, Jeremy Peña, and Isaac Paredes, but the consistency needs some work.

One of the biggest questions is how to navigate the crowded infield, including where Carlos Correa fits and whether to trade Christian Walker.

Based on Rizzo’s experience, the question is whether he is the right fit for the organization. It would be an ironic turn of events considering the 2019 World Series, but he does have the experience to make a difference for the Astros.