General Manager Ed Wade announced Monday that Cruz, 62, has accepted the position of Special Assistant to the General Manager/Community Outreach Executive.
In his new role, Cruz's duties will include being a part of the Astros Major League Spring Training staff, visiting minor league affiliates and providing input on the Astros Latin American operations. During regular season home games, Cruz will be with Wade and other members of his staff in the General Manager's box to join in those discussions on baseball operations.
"Cheo will be terrific in his new role," Wade said. "He's an Astros icon and he will be able to have a great impact both inside and outside the organization. Cheo will have a voice in our baseball operations and will also be a face of the franchise out in the community."
"I'm happy that everything is set," Cruz said. "I'm an Astro all the way, so I'm very happy. It's a new role for me and I'm looking forward to it. It should be exciting."
Cruz will also work with the Astros In Action Foundation as well as the Community Affairs department.
Cruz has been a member of the Astros organization as both a player and coach for 26 seasons, 13 as a player and 13 as a coach.
