Flores replaces Dana Brown and steps into an offseason that still needs a new manager after Joe Espada's exit.
The Houston Astros hired Randy Flores away from the St. Louis Cardinals to be their new general manager on Friday, filling a job that had been open since Dana Brown was let go in August with his contract set to expire at season's end.
Flores, 51, becomes the 15th general manager in franchise history. He is a former major league pitcher who joined the Cardinals' front office as director of scouting in 2015 and spent eight seasons as an assistant general manager, most recently overseeing amateur and pro acquisition.
The hire comes amid a busy offseason in Houston. The Astros also still need a new manager after choosing not to renew Joe Espada's contract following a wild-card series sweep at the hands of the Chicago White Sox, despite Houston having won the AL West.
Flores inherits a franchise at a crossroads, with questions swirling about whether the Astros are headed for a rebuild or will try to stay competitive in the near term. His first major task will likely be finding a new manager to pair with him as the front office reshapes the roster.