Astros interviewing Nationals' Mike Rizzo throws significant wrench in Matt Kleine's GM pursuit

With the Milwaukee Brewers on the verge of winning the World Series, it would seem that Houston Astros were going to be sitting pretty, knowing that current Milwaukee assistant Matt Kleine could be on the way to replace Dana Brown. The Astros, as it turns out, may have different plans that center around the man that constructed the roster that beat them in the 2019 World Series.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that the Astros have interviewed former Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo. The interview took place on Monday, and the indication is that Rizzo is eager to get the job. While noting that Rizzo has told close friends that he has a "deep desire" to take over as the Astros' general manager, Nightengale also mentioned that the 65-year-old has a deep respect for Jim Crane.

Astros' Mike Rizzo interview complicates Matt Kleine's GM hopes

Suddenly, the Astros are at a crossroads. On one hand, they have chance to start the trend that is poaching executives from the team that is going to win the World Series. The one word of caution would be that the Brewers' success over the past decade has suggested that it's more than just one person responsible for the operation. Case in point, see what has happened with the New York Mets while former Brewers general manager David Stearns has been in charge.

Then, there's the comfort that would be hiring Rizzo. Despite having multiple generational talents over the course of his tenure in Washington, Rizzo kind of fizzled out by the end his run with the Nationals. Honestly, his hire would feel like Jim Crane trying to squeeze out as much contention that's remaining in the current core they have. While they did reach the playoffs this year, it was more a result of the division they were playing in.

If the Astros truly are hoping that their next GM hire can usher in a new competitive era, then Kleine would probably be the better option of the two. Again, there's multiple people involved with Milwaukee's path to a World Series this year, but Kleine likely does have a sense of what player development looks like. That's been a foreign concept in Houston for too long.

If Kleine is the man for the job, it's likely that he would be waiting until after the World Series to take the offer from the Astros, assuming there is on the way. In the meantime, it would make sense for Astros to get another outside perspective on the changes that might be needed. Perhaps that is ultimately why Rizzo interviewed earlier this week. Nonetheless, with the offseason imminent, the Astros are reaching decision time.

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