Ex-Astros GM Click lands with Blue Jays

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Almost four months after James Click’s abrupt departure from the Astros, the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday hired Houston’s former general manager as a vice president of baseball strategy.

In a statement announcing Click’s new position, the Blue Jays said he will work with general manager Ross Atkins on “strategic planning, decision making, and evaluation” across both the amateur and professional levels. Click spent 15 seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays before Houston owner Jim Crane hired him to replace Jeff Luhnow in February 2020.

“I’m glad for him,” said Astros manager Dusty Baker, who spoke with Click before Monday’s spring training workout. “He’s in a good organization. … I’m glad for him. I always thought he had a bright future. Just sometimes things don’t work.”

Crane parted ways with Click four days after the Astros won the World Series, ending a season-long personality and philosophy clash between the two men. Earlier this month, Crane hired Dana Brown to replace Click.

The Astros made the playoffs in all three seasons under Click. Two of them ended with American League pennants. He built most of Houston’s current bullpen, signing Héctor Neris and Ryne Stanek to free-agent contracts while orchestrating trades for Rafael Montero and Phil Maton. Additionally, Yordan Alvarez signed a six-year, $115 million contract extension during Click’s tenure.

Ill-fated signings of Pedro Báez and Jake Odorizzi stung, but Click’s growing disconnect with Crane became unsalvageable in the final year of his contract. As their philosophical differences grew, Crane became more heavily involved in Click’s baseball operations decisions during his final season.

The owner, along with Baker, vetoed an agreed-upon deal for Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras at last season’s trade deadline. Hall of Famers Jeff Bagwell and Reggie Jackson, two of Crane’s most influential advisers, grew more prominent in the decision-making, too.

Click signed a three-year contract upon arriving in Houston and spent the entire 2022 season without assurances he’d return in 2023. Click’s contract expired after Houston won the World Series, but Crane dispatched him to the general manager’s meetings in Las Vegas anyway.

While Click was there, the Astros called a press conference to announce Baker’s return without informing the GM, illustrating the disconnect brewing all season. Click returned to Houston at the conclusion of the general managers meetings and rejected Crane’s one-year extension offer.

Atkins told Toronto-based reporters on Monday that Click “had options” for his next job.

“We were exceptionally excited that he chose us,” Atkins said.