The Houston Astros have their new general manager. The team hired St. Louis Cardinals executive Randy Flores on Friday.

Flores, 51, replaces Dana Brown, who was let go in August with his contract set to expire after the season. He becomes the 15th general manager in franchise history.

He has been with the Cardinals' front office since 2015, when he joined as director of scouting. He spent the last eight seasons as an assistant GM, most recently overseeing amateur and pro acquisitions.

"Amazing opportunity"

"Randy has had a huge impact on the Cardinals over the last 10 seasons," Astros owner Jim Crane said in a statement. "Throughout the entire interview process we've been thoroughly impressed with Randy and his background in scouting and player acquisition."

"I am excited and grateful for this amazing opportunity," Flores said. "My family and I are excited to make Houston home."

The Astros will formally introduce him at a news conference Monday morning at Daikin Park.

A manager search is next

Flores has a big job right away. Houston also needs a new manager after Joe Espada's contract was not renewed. The American League West champions were swept by the Chicago White Sox in the AL Wild Card Series.

Houston went 81-81 and still won the division for the fifth time in six years. The Astros became the first big league club without a winning record to reach the playoffs in a full-length season.

After Brown's exit on Aug. 24, three assistant general managers and Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell handled his duties for the rest of the season.

Flores knows the game from the mound too. The left-hander pitched eight seasons in the majors from 2002 to 2010 for Texas, Colorado, St. Louis and Minnesota, going 11-5 with a 4.61 ERA in 350 games.