Dana Brown out as Astros GM: Owner Jim Crane names himself temporary head of baseball operations — CBS Sports

RESOLVING THE LEDGER

Dana Brown out as Astros GM: Owner Jim Crane names himself temporary head of baseball operations — CBS Sports | AIPROPX

The Houston Astros and general manager Dana Brown have mutually agreed to part ways, the team announced Monday morning.

Owner Jim Crane will oversee baseball operations "through the transition period," according to the team. Brown's responsibilities will be divided among the assistant general managers -- Charles Cook, Gavin Dickey and Connor Huff -- and senior advisor Jeff Bagwell, the Hall of Fame first baseman who spent his entire 15-year playing career with Houston.

"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," 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."

Brown took over the front office heading into the 2023 season, taking the helm of the defending World Series champions. The Astros won the AL West in 2023 and 2024 and advanced all the way to the ALCS in 2023. Last season, however, they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016, and Brown entered this season as a lame duck.

The Astros are currently tied for first place in the AL West, but sit one game under .500 at 65-66.

"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, played college ball for Seton Hall before being a 35th round draft pick and spending three years in the minors. Immediately after his playing days were concluded, he became a minor-league coach and then a scout. He worked his way up the chain for years in front offices, becoming vice president of scouting for the Braves in 2019. The Astros GM job was his first as the top decision-maker.

Crane has been the Astros' owner since 2011. On his watch, the Astros became a powerhouse, making the playoffs eight straight seasons -- a run that includes seven division titles, four pennants and two World Series championships. Jeff Luhnow was the general manager from 2011-19, but was dismissed after the sign stealing scandal. James Click was the GM from 2020-22 and Brown took over after that.

Now, with the playoffs still in sight, the Astros will be looking for a new lead executive.

It's been an interesting run for the Astros this year. As noted, they are tied for first place, albeit with a sub-.500 record.

On the good side, Yordan Alvarez has put it all together -- and stayed healthy -- and is having an MVP campaign. He enters the last week of August leading the majors in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, OPS+ and total bases, while also leading the American League in average, home runs, RBI and walks. He's slashing .320/.436/.613 with 36 homers and 90 RBI.

Pitching has been an issue. The Astros rank 25th in baseball with a 4.63 staff ERA. The rotation has actually been a disaster, as the Astros are 28th in the majors with a 5.15 ERA from starting pitchers. Their big free-agent signing was Tatsuya Imai , who has lost his spot in the rotation while sporting a 5.32 ERA.

Curiously, the Astros added just center fielder Daulton Varsho in front of the trade deadline, when it was pretty obvious they needed rotation help.

Regardless, the Astros got hot in late July -- winning 11 of 12 at one point -- and that's enough to be relevant in the AL West.