When David Stearns stepped down as President of Baseball Operations for the Milwaukee Brewers, many assumed that he would eventually wind up in New York. However, a recent development in Houston has changed the way many think. Fresh off of winning the World Series, Astros general manager James Click turned down a one-year deal with the team.
World Series-winning general manager James Click will not return to the Houston Astros after he rejected the team’s one-year contract offer.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 11, 2022
He was under contract through this past season, which is now over. For months, rumors have swirled that Click and Astros ownership did not see eye-to-eye. There are some who now believe David Stearns would be a leading candidate for the general manager opening in Houston.
David Stearns Has a History in Houston
As many Brewers fans may remember, the Brewers hired Stearns away from the Houston Astros, with whom he was an assistant general manager. What followed was the most successful string of Brewers baseball in the history of the franchise. Now that Stearns has transitioned into an advisory role, many around MLB believe that it is the Astros, not the Mets, who may be the frontrunner for Stearns’ services.
When David Stearns stepped down as Brewers pres. of baseball ops, folks I talked to said forget the Mets, look at what’s happening in Houston.
We’ll see. Stearns, the former Astros asst. GM, is still with the Brewers as a consultant and would need permission to talk to HOU. https://t.co/RTrCuHtma6
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) November 11, 2022
As Adam McCalvy notes above, Stearns is still under contract with the Brewers for one more season. If Houston wanted to interview Stearns, they would need permission from Mark Attanasio. According to McCalvy, that may be something Attanasio is not willing to give.
Mark Attanasio Will Not Let Teams Talk to Stearns This Year
McCalvy asked Attanasio if he would ever allow teams to talk to Stearns in 2023. This how the Brewers owner responded:
So, we asked again. If a team asked to interview Stearns, would the Brewers grant permission?
Mark Attanasio: "I’ll stick with the advice I give my sons. I just don’t occupy myself with that. The arrangement does not anticipate that."
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) November 11, 2022
Now, this is a politician answer if I ever heard one. However, based on what Attanasio said, we can be sure of two things. First, David Stearns is still involved in the Brewers front office as he helps Matt Arnold transition to a bigger role. Second, the Brewers intend for Stearns to fulfill his contract with the team, which runs through the 2023 season. It is unlikely that Stearns will be allowed to interview anywhere else.
The only question that remains is this: what team will be fortunate enough to hire Stearns after the 2023 season?
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