As the Houston Astros prepare for the offseason, a significant focus is securing a new contract for star third baseman Alex Bregman. The team’s general manager, Dana Brown, has clarified that re-signing Bregman is a top priority. Still, with free agency upon them, other teams will likely be eager to make competitive offers. Bregman’s value is evident as a player and leader, and retaining him is vital to keeping the Astros in the championship conversation.
Brown’s Determined Pitch to Keep Bregman
Dana Brown is open about his commitment to keeping Bregman in Houston. “We had some excellent, productive conversations,” Brown shared recently, referring to talks with Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras. Brown praised Bregman’s contributions to the team, emphasizing that he’s been an “outstanding part of the winning here in Houston.” These words resonate with fans, signaling that the Astros are serious about keeping their star player despite the looming possibility of rival bids.
Bregman, a free agent for the first time, is expected to attract high offers, possibly exceeding $200 million. While Houston seems the natural choice for Bregman, other teams with bigger wallets might prove tempting. With his impressive track record and strong presence on the field, Bregman is poised for a lucrative deal that could define his 30s.
Exploring First-Base Alternatives
If the Astros can’t retain Bregman, they may consider alternative routes to maintain their competitive edge. One such option is splurging on a high-profile first baseman, with names like Pete Alonso and Paul Goldschmidt on the radar. Alonso, a power hitter for the New York Mets, has demonstrated consistent home-run power with 80 homers over the past two seasons. Alonso would bring undeniable value to the Astros with improved plate discipline and high offensive stats, though signing him could cost upwards of $150 million.
Goldschmidt, however, may provide a different level of confidence. The former National League MVP shows signs of decline, with an OPS+ below league average and increased strikeout rates in recent seasons. While he could see a resurgence at Houston’s Minute Maid Park, the Astros could risk another underwhelming outcome similar to their recent signing of José Abreu.
Christian Walker: A Potential Underdog Option
The Astros could consider Christian Walker from the Arizona Diamondbacks for a more balanced alternative. Walker, at 33, is a late bloomer but has proven his skill at first base. Winning the NL Gold Glove for three consecutive years, he has shown exceptional defensive capabilities alongside impressive offensive stats, hitting 95 home runs in that period. His exit velocity and power-hitting numbers indicate he fits perfectly in Houston, with the potential to reach 40 home runs in Minute Maid Park’s hitter-friendly environment.
Free-Agent Third Basemen: Slim Pickings
Houston could explore free-agent third basemen to replace Bregman directly if first base isn’t the focus. Unfortunately, the market for third basemen is limited, with Yoán Moncada, Gio Urshela, and J.D. Davis as some of the few options. None of these players posted the same performance level as Bregman, and all come with risks due to recent inconsistencies and injuries. Moncada’s switch-hitting and Urshela’s strong defense could be minor advantages, but none of them offers the level of impact Bregman brings.
In the end, Houston’s best path remains clear: re-sign Alex Bregman. The stakes are high, and the Astros must decide if they will commit financially to retain their star. Fans and the team alike are hopeful, but a resolution may still be some time away.