The Houston Astros parted ways with fourth-year general manager Dana Brown, the only Black GM in the MLB, on Monday.
The Astros, who are tied in first place in the AL West, announced the decision a day after wrapping a lackluster nine-game homestand. The team blew a six-run lead to the Athletics on Sunday, who are tied for the second-worst record in the MLB, to lose 6-7/ On Wednesday, they sit under .500 (66-67), but still hanging on to a ,5 game first place lead over the Texas Rangers in the AL West. The Sunday loss, capped off a 3-6 stint at home against three teams with sub-.500 records.
Dana Brown Firing Comes With Astros In First Place
The move comes at a pivotal time of the 2026 season, as the Astros attempt to right the ship entering nearly the last leg of the regular season.
Owner Jim Crane thanked Brown, who was already in the last year of his contract, for his time with the franchise.
“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. “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 was hired Jan. 26, 2023, following the organization’s second World Series-winning season in 2022. He replaced James Click, who parted ways with the club in November 2022. The Astros have struggled to find the same success since. They won just one playoff series in the last three years and missed the playoffs in 2025, for the first time in eight years, after a season plagued by injuries.
Although the franchise added former Gold Glove winner outfielder Daulton Varsho at the trade deadline, the team’s recent decline was enough for change. Brown was appreciative of his time with the organization, even after the abrupt exit.
“The Astros organization and the fans have welcomed me and my family, and I am grateful to have called Houston home for the 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 Has Compiled Impressive Resume: Last of Black MLB General Managers
Brown put together an impressive resume before his first tenure as a general manager. A former scout and longtime baseball executive, the 59-year-old spent four seasons (2019-22) with the Atlanta Braves as the vice president of scouting. He played a pivotal role in the organization drafting 2022 National League Rookie of the Year and 2026 All-Star Michael Harris II as well as 2023 All-Star right-hander Spencer Strider.
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His previous stops included nine seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays as a special assistant to the GM and director of scouting for Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals (2002–2009), where he spearheaded the drafting of seven All-Stars. He started his professional career as a Minor League coach with the Philadelphia Phillies before becoming a scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1994.
Brown’s role will be run by assistant general managers Charles Cook, Gavin Dickey and Connor Huff and senior advisor Jeff Bagwell, a 2017 Hall of Fame inductee. Crane will oversee baseball operations during the transition period.
