The Astros are promoting vice-president of business and baseball operations Connor Huff to the role of assistant general manager, reports Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. He will work under general manager Dana Brown, replacing the departing Andrew Ball.
The Astros are coming off their most disappointing season in years. They faded down the stretch and ended up 87-75, missing the postseason for the first time since 2016. To get back on track next year, there is going to be some shake-up.
Brown and manager Joe Espada are staying but it was reported a few weeks ago that several other changes are being made. Hitting coaches Alex Cintrón and Troy Snitker, catching coach Michael Collins, head athletic trainer Jeremiah Randall and Ball are not coming back. In recent days, pitching coach Bill Murphy was poached away by the Pirates.
There will be challenges in upgrading the club for next year. Per RosterResource, the club’s competitive balance tax number is about $20MM shy of the tax line, even before making any offseason moves. The Astros have crossed the line at times but are generally reluctant to do so. Turning to the trade market will also be tough since Houston’s farm system is considered one of the worst in the league. Huff will step up to see if he can help Brown navigate the choppy waters.
Photo courtesy of Troy Taormina, Imagn Images
I’m just curious what an assistant GM does? Is it like a glorified secretary? A gopher? Personal Assistant?
I think it can vary by team and sport, but many assistant GM’s are heavily involved with contract negotiations, oversight of daily movement of league transactions, internal movement within the organization, trade options, etc
With Dana’s strength being in talent evaluation, having a lieutenant who specializes more in the business and contractual side makes sense.
I wonder how many trash cans he smashed to get the job?
Rent free 8 years and counting
It’s not just a Texas thing. The entire league hasn’t forgiven your trash franchise.
I see you’re still in denial. It’s okay repeat after me “it’s just sports entertainment. It has no effect on my life whatsoever if my team wins or losses. It’s just sports entertainment”.
Why are you so defensive? You replied within seconds of me calling out the Asstros. Do you not remember 23? You haven’t done a damn thing since 22 and aren’t going to do damn thing anytime soon with that roster/farm.
They finished ahead of the Rangers, with that roster/farm and including 28 players on the IL during the season.
Are they still playing? Nobody cares
I don’t play for any major league team so you’re right I haven’t done anything in the league since 2022. Now if you’re talking about the astros what was it 8 straight Alcs 4 ws won 2 of them. Only team even close to that success lately is the dodgers. So please continue to tell me how you know nothing about baseball