Crane on Click departure: 'We have had great success and James has been an important part of that success'

The Houston Astros announced on Friday that the franchise has parted ways with James Click. 

Click assumed the Astros’ general manager (GM) position in 2020 after the team suspended and ultimately fired Jeff Luhnow in the wake of the sign-stealing scandal. 

Owner Jim Crane praised the 44-year-old Click’s contributions during the last three seasons, which included two American League (AL) pennants and a World Series championship. 

“James has been an important part of that success,” Crane said, according to the Astros. “I want to personally thank him and wish him and his family well moving forward.”

Click’s last contract with the Astros expired on Oct. 31 while the team was tied a game apiece in the Fall Classic against the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Crane reportedly offered Click a one-year deal to which the latter refused. The franchise brought back manager Dusty Baker for the 2023 campaign.

Per a report on the Astros’ website, Click’s last act for the front office was representing the team at the Major League Baseball (MLB) General Managers Meetings though he no longer had a contract. 

The report added that Click came to Houston prior to the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season after nearly 15 years with the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Despite looming speculation about his future with the newly crowned World Series champions, Click was reported to have basked in the glow of the franchise’s latest triumph.

According to ESPN, Baker said at the press conference announcing his contract extension that he had a good relationship with Click. 

"We've accomplished some good things together in a short period of time,” the fourth-year skipper said, ESPN reported. 

The first major free agent transaction to occur following Click’s departure was the Astros and reliever Rafael Montero agreeing to a three-year, $34.5 deal.