THE KEY PLAYERS
The 5 Astros with the biggest impact on the World Series
Nov 1, 2017, 11:00 pm
Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa were key players. Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
The five most important Astros in this year’s World Series:
5) Charlie Morton. He was terrific in both the Game 4 loss and his Game 7 relief appearance. Spared a Ken Giles experience in Game 7.
4) Jose Altuve. The league MVP. His numbers weren’t terrific but he was clutch at times -- especially Game 5 -- and they do not win it without him.
3) Alex Bregman. The young third baseman was a force throughout, hitting big homers, getting the game winning hit in Game 5 and playing flashy defense. Emerged as a legitimate star in the postseason.
3) Carlos Correa. It gets overlooked just how good this young man has become, but he was solid in the series. And he proposed to his girlfriend after the game. That should be worth something.
1) George Springer. The Series MVP was a tough out all series, and he was at his best in Game 7, with a leadoff double and run and then a big two-run homer to give Houston a 5-0 lead.
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The World Series is in full swing and as we wait to see which team brings home the hardware, odds have already been released for the 2025 season.
According to Draft Kings and Fan Duel, the Astros have the sixth-best odds to win the championship next season. So while many in the national media are burying the Astros and saying the window is closed, the oddsmakers don't agree.
Of course, these odds have been released before free agency, so things will change based on the moves made this offseason.
For Houston, Alex Bregman's future with the team is up in the air. So that could have a big impact on their chances in 2025. Something else to monitor heading into the offseason is if the club would consider trading either Framber Valdez or Kyle Tucker.
If Breggy leaves, it's hard to imagine Houston moving on from Tucker. They can't afford to lose two of their best bats, and the team clearly has more depth in the rotation than they do in the outfield.
Trading Framber could clear about $18 million off the books and bring some top prospects into the farm system. And if Bregman is off the books as well, perhaps the team could afford to re-sign Yusei Kikuchi. Kikuchi would be significantly cheaper than signing Valdez to a long-term deal.
This could change the market
Another thing to consider this offseason is super agent Scott Boras, who also happens to represent Bregman. Boras was unable to secure blockbuster contracts for several of his clients last offseason. Many had to settle for shorter prove it deals.
It's fair to wonder if his clients will be more willing to take the first deal they are offered that they view as acceptable. As opposed to rolling the dice on what Boras is promising.
Maybe this could be a good thing for Bregman's chances of returning, if the Astros are willing to give him a reasonable offer.
Finally, Yankee GM Brian Cashman is still blaming the Astros for not being in a World Series over the last 15 years. We thought we were past this, but if he wants to go there again, we're more than happy to put him in his place!
Don't miss the video above for the full conversation!
*The Astros are always in season for discussion. Our Stone Cold ‘Stros podcasts drop Mondays!
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Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Find out more about it here.