The Houston Astros have appointed Randy Flores as their new general manager, sparking debate over owner Jim Crane's willingness to relinquish control. Flores, a former Cardinals scouting executive, was chosen after a brief flirtation with Brewers assistant GM Matt Kleine, who reportedly wanted a president‑of‑baseball‑operations title that Crane was hesitant to create. At the November 2 press conference, Crane pledged full authority to Flores, yet his history of hands‑on involvement raises doubts. The Astros, fresh off an 81‑81 season with outfield, rotation, and farm‑system concerns, are expected to make calculated moves to return to AL contention, putting immediate pressure on Flores to prove his autonomy and vision.
The Colorado Rockies have hired former White Sox pitching coach Ethan Katz as their major‑league pitching coach for the 2027 season. A former Rockies draft pick (26th round, 2005) who posted a 2.79 ERA in the minors, Katz brings extensive experience, including stints as a high‑school coach at Harvard‑Westlake, assistant roles with the Angels, Mariners and Giants, and a five‑year tenure as Chicago’s pitching coach (2021‑25) where his staff posted a 3.73 ERA in his debut year before slipping to the mid‑4.00s. After a brief assistant role with the Astros in 2026, he replaces Alon Leichman, who left after the Rockies posted a league‑worst 5.99 ERA. Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer praised Katz’s track record of improving pitchers.
The Toronto Blue Jays decline the $8 million club option on outfielder Myles Straw, triggering a $1.75 million buyout from the Guardians per the 2025 trade. Straw, now a free agent, posted a .241/.304/.342 slash line over 330 PA in 2026 after a strong start (.277/.327/.383) and remains an elite runner and versatile defender. Toronto also reshuffled its 40‑man roster, reinstating several players from the 60‑day IL, outrighting CJ Van Eyk, and seeing Rudy Martin Jr. elect free agency. Potential suitors include the Yankees, Royals, Reds, Giants, Phillies and former club Houston.
The Houston Astros designate outfielder Jake Meyers for assignment, ending his six‑year stint and likely sending him to free agency. Meyers, 30, posted a .213/.268/.326 line with three homers and 11 RBIs in just 57 games this season, hampered by a Grade‑2 oblique strain and a late‑season knee injury. After a brief Triple‑A stint and limited major‑league action, his 2026 performance fell far short of his productive 2023‑25 years, where he logged a .243/.310/.370 slash line and strong defensive metrics. The club now has 39 players on its 40‑man roster, with a week to trade or waive Meyers.
The Astros announced they have exercised a $13.35MM club option for infielder Isaac Paredes. Chandler Rome of The Athletic was among those to relay the info. More to come.
The Phillies announced today that they claimed infielder Brett Harris and utility infielder Shay Whitcomb off waivers from the San Francisco Giants as they fine‑tune their roster for the offseason. Catcher Garrett Stubbs elected free agency, while right‑handers Brad Keller and Caleb Kilian, plus infielder/outfielder Felix Reyes, also part ways. Whitcomb, who saw limited action with the Giants and Astros last season (/.203/.233/.336 in 122 PA), adds defensive versatility but struggles offensively. Harris, a corner‑infielder who hit .288/.399/.449 in Triple‑A last year, offers similar depth. The moves reflect Philadelphia’s push for more roster flexibility ahead of upcoming roster cuts.
The Houston Astros add right‑handers Roddery Muñoz and Evan Reifert, plus catcher César Salazar, to their roster, confirming Reifert’s previously reported acquisition. Outfielder Jake Meyers is outrighted from the 40‑man roster and will elect free agency after today’s move. The roster shake‑up, announced on November 2, 2026, signals Houston’s intent to bolster pitching depth while reshaping its outfield.
At a press conference on Nov. 2, 2026, Astros owner Jim Crane introduced new GM Randy Flores and downplayed rumors of a wholesale trade fire‑sale. After winning the AL West but being swept by the Chicago White Sox in the Wild Card, Crane says a "complete teardown" isn’t planned, though the club may move players like first baseman Christian Walker, shortstop Jeremy Peña, closer Josh Hader, and starters Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier. With Hall‑of‑Famer Jeff Bagwell still influential, the big question is how much autonomy Flores will receive to restore World Series contention for 2027.
The Houston Astros have designated outfielder Jake Meyers for assignment, giving the club five days to trade him or place him on waivers. Meyers, 30, posted a .243/.310/.370 line with 93 wRC+ and a 22% strikeout rate over 2023‑25, but his defense remained his strong suit, tallying 22 Defensive Runs Saved. Injuries—including a 2021 shoulder surgery and a 2026 Grade 2 oblique strain—limited his playing time, and he hit just .212 in Triple‑A before a brief major‑league stint. At 4.04 years of service, he is arbitration‑eligible at a projected $3.6 million, but could become a free agent if he clears waivers.
In episode 89 of the Viva El Birdos podcast, Jake Wood talks with veteran sports writer Bernie Miklasz about the St. Louis Cardinals’ future after Randy Flores departs for the Houston Astros’ GM role. Bernie praises Flores’ ascent but says it’s too soon to gauge the loss, noting that scouting chief Zach Mortimer keeps the talent pipeline strong. The hosts discuss whether Flores might lure former Cardinals like Daniel Descalso or Jon Jay to Houston and weigh the prospect of Yadier Molina joining the coaching staff, warning it could complicate Oli Marmol’s situation. Overall, the conversation suggests the Cardinals remain competitive despite front‑office churn.
The 2027 Contemporary Baseball Era Hall of Fame ballot lists former Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy among eight non‑player candidates. Also on the slate are veteran managers Dusty Baker, Joe Maddon and Lou Piniella, executives Sandy Alderson and Brian Sabean, broadcaster‑former NL president Bill White, and media mogul Ted Turner. Bochy’s résumé includes three World Series titles with the San Francisco Giants, a 2,252‑2,266 managerial record and a 6th‑place all‑time ranking in wins. The article also highlights the playing and managerial careers of his fellow nominees, noting Baker’s 19‑year playing stint and recent 2022 Astros championship, and White’s seven Gold Gloves and All‑Star honors.
Former Dodger star Dusty Baker joins the eight candidates on the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s 2027 Contemporary Era ballot for managers, executives and umpires. The two‑time All‑Star, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger who played eight seasons with Los Angeles (1976‑83) and won the 1981 World Series is also the only manager to guide five different clubs to the postseason, tallying 2,183 wins over 26 seasons, including a 2022 World Series title with the Houston Astros before retiring in 2023. The 16‑member Hall of Fame committee will vote, with a 75% threshold needed, and will release results on Dec. 6.
Brad Ausmus may leave for the Houston Astros' managerial job, giving the New York Yankees a bench coach vacancy.
The Houston Astros announced Randy Flores as their new general manager on November 2, 2026, ending a search that also considered former Nationals exec Mike Rizzo and Brewers assistant GM Matt Kleine. Flores, 51, spent the last decade with the St. Louis Cardinals, rising from director of scouting to assistant GM of amateur and pro acquisition. He replaces Dana Brown, who left after the Astros’ first‑round playoff loss to the Chicago White Sox. Owner Jim Crane praised Flores’s scouting pedigree, while Flores expressed excitement about returning to a winning Houston franchise. His first tasks will include evaluating Isaac Paredes’ 2027 option and shaping the roster ahead of the offseason.
The Milwaukee Brewers capture their first franchise World Series title on October 28, 2026, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 5‑2 in Game 5 at Tropicana Field. The win continues a 13‑year streak where the championship is clinched on the road, with only the 2022 Astros managing a home‑field victory. Historically, road teams have won the Fall Classic 67 times versus 55 home wins. The article notes the Brewers’ path—two home wins, a 3‑0 lead after a road triumph, a Game 4 loss, and a decisive Game 5—mirroring the Dodgers’ 2024 pattern, and highlights the rarity of celebrating a title in front of a home crowd.
The Houston Astros, fresh off firing manager Joe Espada and appointing Randy Flores as GM, have interviewed Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus for their next manager. Ausmus, a former Astros infielder and three‑time Gold Glove winner, previously managed the Tigers (2014‑17) and Angels (2019) and served as a bench coach for Oakland and New York, joining the Yankees under Aaron Boone in 2024. With both clubs exiting early in the playoffs—Houston in the AL Wild Card and the Yankees swept by Tampa Bay in the ALDS—the interview marks a potential reunion for Ausmus and his former Houston roots. Rumors also suggest broader Yankees staff changes, including a possible Jorge Posada coaching role.
The Astros next managerial hire could be at the expense of the Yankees.
The Houston Astros are interviewing Brad Ausmus as part of their managerial search, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.
The Padres announced several roster moves on Sunday, picking up the $2.5 million option on left‑hander Kyle Hart and confirming Yuki Matsui and Wandy Peralta will opt into 2027 contracts. They declined options on Nick Pivetta, Miguel Andujar, Griffin Canning and Lucas Giolito, signaling unlikely re‑signings given injury histories. Hart’s option is seen as a low‑cost bullpen boost, while Matsui could help retain star reliever Adrian Morejon amid interest from the Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays and Dodgers. The Gold Glove winners were named, leaving Ty France and Freddy Fermin off the list, and the 45‑day window opened for Japanese pitcher Teruaki Sato. Additional offseason rumors include a Giants‑Nationals trade and former Astro Brad Ausmus as a potential Houston manager.
The Crawfish Boxes’ fourth installment of the Hall of Fame Index deep‑dives into second basemen, focusing on Houston’s Jose Altuve. Using advanced metrics such as OPS+, rOBA, and runs created, Altuve posts a 126 OPS+ and a 1384 RC, beating the Hall of Fame (HOF) average of 118 OPS+ and 1312 RC, though he lags in base‑running runs. Comparable players Marcus Semien (107 OPS+, 969 RC) and Ketel Marte (120 OPS+, 857 RC) fall short of Altuve’s offensive profile. Defensively, Altuve’s fielding runs (‑113) rank him as the weakest second baseman in HOF history, even below Craig Biggio, akin to Derek Jeter’s legacy. The piece argues Altuve’s Hall candidacy hinges on maintaining his offensive edge as his career‑long averages inevitably decline.
The post recaps the Brewers' World Series triumph and the surrounding fallout: Gold Glove winners, ESPN’s All‑October playoff team, top Statcast performers, and a deep dive on rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt. It also highlights analysis of the Brewers’ bullpen, manager Pat Murphy’s rise, and the celebratory parade honoring Bob Uecker. Winter moves are covered—including the Red Sox exercising Garrett Whitlock’s $8.25 million option, the Rays picking up Drew Rasmussen’s $20 million option, and several free‑agent options declined. Notable off‑season news features the Astros hiring Randy Flores, the death of Mets legend Jerry Koosman, and upcoming free‑agent and trade targets. The article adds quirky bits like the Brewers’ SNL appearance and a viral fan celebration.
The Good Phight breaks down the Phillies' upcoming roster moves as arbitration deadlines loom, highlighting left‑fielder Peter Fatse’s urgent need to reclaim his plate approach amid potential trades. The piece also revisits outfield depth options and notes that no Phillies made the Gold Glove list, while the Diamondbacks and Red Sox each snagged three awards. Additionally, former Astros skipper Brad Ausmus is mentioned as a possible Houston manager, and Japanese infielder Teruaki Sato enters the MLB posting system, sparking speculation before the lockout.
The 2026 Major League Baseball offseason kicked into high gear this past week as front offices faced critical
The post MLB Digest: Drew Rasmussen Secured, Randy Flores Takes Helm in Houston, and Bo Bichette Opts In appeared first on We Never Stop .
The Houston Astros name longtime Cardinals assistant Randy Flores as their new general manager, ending a search that featured ten candidates, including a recent interview with Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus. Ausmus, a former Astros teammate and ex‑manager of the Tigers and Angels, remains a possible manager candidate now that Flores must hire a field boss before the December 1 lockout. Earlier reports linked Brewers assistant GM Matt Kleine and former Astros assistant Oz Ocampo to the role, but negotiations fell through. Flores’ first priority will be hiring a manager, with names like Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina or former Astro Morgan Ensberg mentioned as possibilities.
The Rawlings Gold Glove Awards crown two Chicago Cubs as defensive standouts: center fielder Pete Crow‑Armstrong wins his second consecutive Gold Glove, beating Andy Pages (Dodgers) and Michael Harris (Braves), while third baseman Alex Bregman secures his second overall (first with the Cubs) after his 2024 Astros win, becoming the first Cubs third baseman honored since Ron Santo in 1968. Top prospect Josiah Hartshorn also grabs a minor‑league Gold Glove at first base. Fellow Cubs Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson fall short, and fans can now vote for the Platinum Glove.