Jeff Bagwell discusses role with Houston Astros amid GM search

Crane doesn’t appear to be in a major rush to hire a new general manager. He said he does not expect to hire a new GM before the calendar turns to 2023, though he would like to have the position filled by Spring Training.

“We’re assembling candidates and talking to a few people, we’re not in any big rush,” Crane said Tuesday. “I wouldn’t expect anything until January. The front office is working just fine as you can see.”

So who is exactly running Houston’s baseball operations at the moment? A notable triumvirate was highlighted on Tuesday.

Crane said he met with Abreu in Miami prior to signing the first baseman, with Astros assistant general manager Bill Firkus alongside him. The other person joining Crane and Firkus on his recruiting trip? None other than Hall of Fame first baseman and Astros legend Jeff Bagwell.

Bagwell’s addition to the trip east isn’t necessarily a surprise. He has remained a confidant of Crane’s in recent years, and he’s a consistent presence next to Houston’s owner at Minute Maid Park. And following Click’s departure, Bagwell’s involvement remains significant.

“I talk to [Crane] a lot,” Bagwell said Tuesday as he held court with the media following Crane’s press conference. “I love this team. I've been a Houston Astro since 1991. I think Jim Crane is the best owner in baseball, that’s part of the reason I do this.

“To be a part of it has been nice. Whatever part that is, I care. I care about the guys.”

Yet despite having the ear of Crane, it doesn’t seem like Bagwell is interested in receiving a new role with the team. When asked if he wants to be the next general manager of the Astros, Bagwell’s answer was succinct.

“No, I’m good, man. I’m good where I’m at right now,” he said.

Bagwell’s prominent voice stands in opposition to Click’s philosophy to some degree. Bagwell said Tuesday he believes Houston and other organizations have placed too high of a premium on analytics in recent years, noting there are other factors he considers significantly.

“There are so many things about this game the numbers can’t tell you,” Bagwell said. “The type of person, what he means in our clubhouse, his desire, how he goes about his business. Those are the intangible things I can see when I talk to somebody more than just the numbers.

“This game is played by humans, man, it’s not played by computers.”

Crane is the top decision-maker in Houston at the moment, with Bagwell flanking him as a major voice. And while it’s quite possible the core built by Click and Jeff Luhnow will power another AL champion in 2023, there is now notable pressure on the Astros’ top brass. Don’t be surprised if Crane and Bagwell look to keep adding to this roster before Opening Day next March.