Could Nolan Ryan be Next?

Nolan Ryan (Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)

Nolan Ryan’s credentials as a starting pitcher during his 27 year Hall of Fame career cannot be disputed. Ryan won 324 games while pitching for four teams and setting the all-time strikeout record with 5,714.

During his illustrious career, Ryan spent the most time, nine seasons, with the Astros. In his time in Houston, the Ryan Express had a record of 106-94. He then went on to close out his career spending five years in Arlington with the Texas Rangers.

Following his playing career, Ryan went on to spend five years in the Astros front office as an assistant working with Drayton McLane. But after that tenure, the former ace went on to experience his greatest off the field success.

Ryan was instrumental in turning around the Rangers’ fortunes as they became perennial playoff contenders and took part in back to back World Series.

Once Reid Ryan became team president last season, speculation began to swirl about his father rejoining Houston’s front office. That only intensified when Nolan parted ways with the Rangers this past October.

Now with the news that Jim Crane is going to speak to Ryan about a role in the Astros’ revamped front office, it looks like Nolan is on the way back to Houston. At this point, we know there is interest from the Astros’ perspective, and that is a good thing. What remains to be seen, is the role that Crane and Reid Ryan have in mind as well as Nolan’s interest.

"“We really don’t have anything done yet,” Crane said. “I think there’s some interest from Nolan if it’s the right opportunity for him and if it’s what he wants to do. He’s very accomplished and he’s done a lot of great things and he’ll certainly be a great addition to the team if we could do it.”"

I think bringing Nolan Ryan back into the fold would be a good thing for the Astros and their front office. Here’s to hoping that it works out. We know that his son would be open to working with him.

"“I don’t think it’s any great secret that I would love to have my dad work with the Houston Astros,” Reid Ryan said. “But it’s really up to Jim and him to figure out if there’s a fit there.”"