A's hire Castro as GM, citing $2.1 billion Las Vegas stadium

Cam Castro, 36, accepted the position of general manager for the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday. The hire follows his role as a key contributor to the Milwaukee Brewers' World Series championship. Castro will lead the front office as the team prepares for a major relocation to Las Vegas.

The new general manager identified the franchise's $2.1 billion ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip as a primary reason for his departure from Milwaukee. The stadium is currently under construction and is scheduled to open for the 2028 Major League Baseball season. Castro described the project as a major factor in his decision-making process during his introductory press conference on Thursday.

Castro praised the architectural design of the new venue, noting that it includes advanced training and recovery facilities on the lower level. He stated that the facility will create excitement for the local community, the league, and the players who will use it daily. He also expressed confidence that the building will generate high energy for the staff members working within it.

Castro will report to Taylor Smith, the Athletics president of baseball operations. Smith, 31, was hired by the club in October 2026. He previously served with the Boston Red Sox. Smith has also cited the new Las Vegas market and the upcoming stadium as key assets for recruiting free agents to the team.

Smith highlighted the lifestyle benefits of Southern Nevada in October when discussing the franchise's future. He pointed to the year-round climate and the regional golf scene as selling points for prospective players. He described the move as an opportunity to energize a new fan base and provide a compelling destination for talent.

The climate was a specific draw for Castro, who compared the desert environment to his previous residence. He noted that his home in Milwaukee would soon experience snow, making the Las Vegas weather an attractive alternative. Castro mentioned that his family would be comfortable and happy in the area, citing past positive experiences during spring training in Phoenix.

Both executives observed heightened interest in the Athletics project throughout the baseball industry prior to the hire. Smith indicated that league colleagues had a clear understanding of how the new market and stadium design might alter the franchise's economic structure. Castro echoed this sentiment, stating that the ballpark would be a major topic of conversation in the sport for the foreseeable future.

Smith and Castro have begun collaborating immediately following the announcement. They plan to intensify their work next week during the annual general managers meetings. The meeting will be held in Las Vegas, where the two first met and developed a professional relationship last year. Castro described the hiring process as straightforward given their prior acquaintance and shared vision for the team's future.