Astros’ GM search: Is it nearing an end, and who’s leading Houston’s list?

The Astros’ search for a new general manager appears to be moving toward a final phase with free agency beginning Monday and the MLB General Managers Meetings scheduled for Las Vegas the following week. reports that the most recent front-runner on Houston’s list is Brewers assistant general manager Matt Kleine.

reports that Kleine is the name at the top, first reported earlier by The Athletic, and that he recently signed an extension with Milwaukee. That matters for timing, because the Astros would likely have to buy him out of the new deal if they want to bring him to Houston.

Houston has been without GM Dana Brown since his departure on Aug. 24, with his responsibilities shifted to assistant general managers Charles Cook, Gavin Dickey, and Connor Huff, and senior advisor Jeff Bagwell. also reports that Bagwell, along with owner Jim Crane, has been overseeing baseball operations during the search.

Among the candidates reported as having interviewed is Mike Rizzo, says he was in Houston earlier this week. also reports that Cook and Dickey are among those who interviewed for the GM role.

Kleine’s background, as outlined by, includes 20 seasons with the Brewers organization and a promotion to assistant GM on Nov. 1, 2023, after earlier scouting and baseball operations roles. His work areas include roster construction, major league transactions, financial planning, player evaluation, contract negotiation, and salary arbitration.

frames the Astros’ interest in Kleine against Houston owner Jim Crane’s stated approach to GM hiring. Crane has said experience is valuable but not necessary, and notes that Houston’s previous three GM hires (Luhnow, Click, and Brown) did not arrive with prior GM experience.