Morning Briefing: Astros Hire Randy Flores as General Manager

Good morning, Mets fans, and happy Halloween!

The Houston Astros announced on Friday that they hired Randy Flores as their new general manager. He is the 15th GM in franchise history. Flores had previously held a role with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Houston Astros. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

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Shadow Casting & Productions is looking for Mets fans to be a part of major baseball-related film on Nov. 4 from 7:30 to 11 p.m.

Latest MLB News

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Nick Martinez is declining the Tampa Bay Rays’ mutual option for $20 million. He is picking up $4 million in the process and becoming a free agent.

Per the Sports Business Journal, according to Sponsor United, MLB teams combined to generate $2.1 billion in sponsorship revenue in 2026, a 7.3% increase from 2025. It also represents a 57% increase in MLB team sponsorship value between 2022 ($1.35 billion) and 2026, with total deals up 17% over that span (3,195 to 3,732).

The Miami Marlins exercised Sandy Alcantara’s 2027 club option.

The MLB Players Association announced 11 additional players that have become free agents: Zach Eflin (Baltimore Orioles), Sonny Gray (Boston Red Sox), Matt Boyd (Chicago Cubs), Carson Kelly (Chicago Cubs), Ryan Weiss (Houston Astros), Carlos Estevez (Kansas City Royals), Robert Stephenson (Los Angeles Angels), Dustin May (Milwaukee Brewers), Josh Bell (Minnesota Twins), Michael King (San Diego Padres), and Victor Robles (Seattle Mariners).

Per Martin Gallegos of MLB.com, Jeff McNeil and Jeffrey Springs both had their club options declined for 2027. They are both now free agents.

According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, Texas Rangers outfielder/designated hitter Joc Pederson is the latest player to become a free agent. He turned down the end of his mutual option. Pederson hit 26 home runs this year, tied for the second-most in his career.

Dennis Lin of The Athletic reported that the Arizona Diamondbacks are hiring San Diego Padres bullpen coach Ben Fritz as their lead pitching coach.

Per Sam Blum of The Athletic, MLB pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are scheduled to go on trial beginning on Monday, Nov. 2 with jury selection.

According to Nikkan Sports, the Seibu Lions of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball confirmed they are making starter Kaima Taira available to MLB clubs via the posting system.