CHANGES ON THE HORIZON
MLB insiders weigh in on Astros, Bregman negotiations and realistic alternatives
Nov 18, 2024, 4:34 pm
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.
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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.