Former Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo has interviewed for the Astros’ open GM job. Two people with direct knowledge told USA TODAY Sports that Rizzo was interviewing in Houston on Monday, and a source told MLB.com he was scheduled to meet with Astros owner Jim Crane on Tuesday at Daikin Park.
The Astros are aiming to have a new general manager in place before the General Managers Meetings begin Nov. 10 in Las Vegas, according to MLB.com. As of Thursday morning, no hire had been announced.
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Who Is Mike Rizzo?
Rizzo, 65, ran the Nationals’ baseball operations for 17 seasons. Washington hired him in 2006, and he became GM in 2009. Under Rizzo, the Nationals won NL East titles in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017.
His biggest moment came against Houston. The Nationals beat the Astros in seven games in the 2019 World Series for the franchise’s first title. Washington let Rizzo go midway through the 2025 season, and the Nationals have not had a winning season since that championship run, per MLB.com.
USA TODAY reported that Rizzo has told friends he has a strong desire to work for the Astros since the team parted ways with Dana Brown in August.
The Rest of the Field
Rizzo isn’t the only name in the mix. MLB.com points to Brewers assistant GM Matt Kleine and White Sox assistant GM Josh Barfield, who grew up in the Houston area, as two of the most interesting candidates. Kleine, 40, interned in the Astros’ media relations department in 2007 and appeared with Crane at the Houston Sports Hall of Fame induction earlier this month.
The Athletic reported, via MLB Trade Rumors, serious interest in Royals senior vice president Scott Sharp, Braves assistant GM Ben Sestanovich and Cardinals assistant GM Randy Flores. Rays assistant GM Kevin Ibach and Astros assistant GMs Gavin Dickey and Charles Cook are also candidates, per MLB.com. Our full rundown of the Astros GM search breaks down every reported candidate.
What’s Next
Crane has overseen baseball operations since Brown and the Astros parted ways on Aug. 24. Once a GM is hired, the club will turn to finding a replacement for manager Joe Espada, whose contract was not renewed after three seasons. LFG Houston will update this story when the Astros make a decision.
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