The Houston Astros have another front office change, with Jacob Buffa leaving his position as farm director for a role with the St. Louis Cardinals, two people with knowledge of the move confirmed Friday.

Buffa spent the last seven seasons in the Astros’ organization, including the last two as their senior director of player development. In that role, Buffa oversaw player development along with assistant general manager Gavin Dickey, who was promoted to that position after the 2023 season.

The Cardinals are hiring Buffa as their international scouting director, a person with knowledge confirmed. The Athletic first reported Buffa’s departure. Buffa attended Missouri State University and co-founded a baseball performance facility in St. Louis prior to joining the Astros.

KEY DATES: What’s ahead in offseason

Houston initially hired Buffa in January 2019 as a development coach. He was promoted to director of performance science in January 2022 and oversaw the Astros’ use of biomechanics and sports science through his time as farm director, according to a team description of his role.

Buffa’s departure adds to Houston’s personnel turnover this offseason. The Astros opted not to renew the contracts of assistant general manager Andrew Ball and head athletic trainer Jeremiah Randall, as well as hitting coaches Troy Snitker and Alex Cíntron and catching coach Michael Collins after the season.

Snitker will reportedly be named the New York Mets’ hitting coach. Bill Murphy, one of the Astros’ two major-league pitching coaches, is also leaving their coaching staff to become the Pittsburgh Pirates’ pitching coach. The Astros plan to promote Connor Huff to assistant general manager from vice president of business and baseball operations, MLB.com reported this week.

This article originally published at Houston Astros farm director departing for role with St. Louis Cardinals.