MLB insiders weigh in on Astros, Bregman negotiations and realistic alternatives
CHANGES ON THE HORIZON
18 November 2024
The Astros' top priority is third base, according to GM Dana Brown. Composite Getty Image.
As we begin another week of MLB free agency, it doesn't appear the Astros are any closer to signing Alex Bregman. But we are hearing that Astros GM Dana Brown is having positive conversations with Bregman's agent Scott Boras.
Owner Jim Crane spoke on Monday and said there's nothing new to report on the Bregman front, but there will be some big changes in 2025.
Jim Crane said there is "nothing to report" on negotiations with Alex Bregman. Crane said Dana Brown and Scott Boras have been "visiting frequently." Crane said he talked to Boras once earlier this winter.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) November 18, 2024
The Astros' home will get a new name on Jan. 1, becoming Daikin Park under an agreement through the 2039 season.
Personally, it will be hard to say goodbye to the “Juice Box,” but we understand the Astros taking part in a cash grab that could ultimately help the team retain some of our favorite players going forward, like Bregman.
Speaking of which, we're seeing reports that Bregman is seeking a deal similar to Manny Machado's, (11-years, $350 million).
That number may sound crazy, but The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal thinks Boras and Bregman have their sights set high. If Bregman does receive an offer in the $300 million range, MLB Network's Jon Morosi thinks the club could pivot to former Brewers' infielder Willy Adames.
Morosi could see a scenario where Adames agrees to a $200 million contract with Houston, should the club miss out on re-signing Bregman.
Based on the Astros recent history, these contracts seem a bit out of reach. But ESPN's Jeff Passan reported last week that the Astros may be willing to over spend a bit for Bregman, because the team won't be willing to hand Kyle Tucker a $300 million contract after the 2025 season.
At this point, it's hard to know what the true market is for these players. Some believe Adames will get more than Bregman, since he's younger and hits for more power. We also know that Boras has a history of overplaying his hand.
Be sure to watch the video above as we examine the top options for the Astros in free agency, discuss if the club can find some answers in the trade market, and much more!
For Astros’ conversation, catch Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo on our Stone Cold 'Stros podcasts! Episodes drop on Mondays and bonus episodes are released on Wednesdays when the news cycle dictates.
José Soriano and two relievers combined for a two-hitter and Oswald Peraza hit his first home run since a trade from the Yankees to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 3-0 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Soriano (10-9) allowed one hit and struck out eight in seven innings. Luis García allowed one hit in a scoreless eighth and Kenley Jansen threw a perfect ninth for his 25th save.
There were two outs in the fifth when Peraza connected off Hunter Brown (10-7) into the bullpen in right-center field to put the Angels up 1-0. His homer comes after his two-run single in the ninth inning Saturday helped Los Angeles to a 4-1 victory that snapped a three-game skid.
Yoan Moncada walked to start the eighth and scored on Mike Trout’s double that bounced off the wall in center field to make it 2-0. Taylor Ward walked before Luis Rengifo reached and Trout scored on an error by Lance McCullers Jr. when the pitcher overthrew first base.
Yordan Alvarez singled with no outs in the first and Soriano walked a batter in the second and sixth innings. The Astros didn’t get another hit until Ramón Urías doubled with one out in the eighth inning. Los Angeles outfielder Taylor Ward was injured trying to make a catch on that hit when he crashed face-first into the metal scoreboard in left field.
He was carted off the field holding a towel to the right side of his face. He was taken to a hospital by ambulance where interim manager Ray Montgomery said he would receive stitches to close the cut and be evaluated.
Brown allowed three hits and a run with five strikeouts in six innings. McCullers Jr. allowed three hits and two runs in his first relief appearance since 2018.
Key moment
The home run by Peraza.
Key stat
It’s the fifth time the Astros have been shut out this month.
Up next
LHP Yusei Kikuchi (6-9, 3.68 ERA) will start for Los Angeles in the series finale Monday against RHP Luis Garcia, who’ll make his return after sitting out since May 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery.
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