The Astros have had a crazy half-season, appearing to be on the verge of a rebuilding year following a poor start and a string of ailments that have left the pitching rotation in disarray. However, the team has rallied and even made some questionable trade deadline additions in a bid to pull Houston over the finish line for an MLB postseason place, which would be the franchise’s ninth consecutive.
Few players exemplify this season’s ups and downs more than star third baseman Alex Bregman, who struggled to start the season and has been linked to trade rumours as he approaches free agency.
Bregman was batting.206 over Memorial Day weekend, with a.273 on-base percentage and.317 slugging percentage. The Astros dropped to 24-32 that week, 6.5 games down in the AL West.
However, Bregman and the Astros have since recovered. They have gone 33-21 since late May and are presently tied with the Mariners for the division lead. Their postseason odds have increased to 45.5%. Since May 28, Bregman has batted.292 with a.344 on-base percentage and a.493 slugging percentage, contributing to this trend.
He’s in a much better position going into free agency—and according to Bleacher Report, he’s expected to sign a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Astros.
Astros could face competition.
In an article titled “Way-Too-Early MLB Free-Agency Predictions Post-2024 Trade Deadline,” B/R’s Zachary Rymer believes that Bergman will be a popular free agent, but the Astros will eventually pay to keep him.
“As long as Bregman stays on pace, he will enter the market as a credible candidate for a $200 million deal. That would limit his value, although some notable teams may be looking for a high-priced third baseman,” Rymer noted.
“The Yankees could use one, as could the Dodgers, Mariners, and possibly the Mets and Nationals, if the latter wants to get back into the spending game.” As with (Pete) Alonso, there appears to be a good potential of a reunion here. Bregman’s swing works better at Minute Maid Park than anywhere else. And, as previously stated, the Astros are expected to benefit from increased flexibility this winter.
Alex Bregman didn’t sign an extension.
While Bregman is likely to garner attention, there is no willingness to let him leave Houston. Already, the Astros have signed second baseman Jose Altuve to a long-term extension worth $125 million over five years, and while no deal has been reached with Bregman, the Astros are in position to bring him back.
Scott Boras, Bregman’s agent, is well-known for refusing to negotiate contract extensions, preferring to pursue players in free agency. That will be the case with Bregman.
GM Dana Brown addressed Bregman’s position during Spring Training.
“There’s really no timeline on this right now, and at some point, we’ll make an offer,” Brown said at the time, according to MLB.com. “I believe we both respect that, and that pretty much concludes the talk. Look, we love Alex and would love to have him here. In terms of a timeline, we simply do not have one, but we will make him an offer eventually.
“We understand how excellent he is and has been for this franchise. It would be difficult to glance out at third base and not notice the outstanding defence. So, at some point, we’ll go back and have those conversations.”
Leave a Reply