Why Astros have much more on the line this offseason than ever
STAKES ARE HIGH
03 February
The clock is ticking for Bregman and the 'Stros! Composite Getty Image.
As we embark on another week waiting to hear which team Alex Bregman will land on, there are some new developments to discuss regarding the potential makeup of the 2025 roster.
First, it appears that Jose Altuve will get some opportunities to play left field, whether Bregman returns or not. The Athletic's Chandler Rome recently reported that the Astros were planning on playing Jorge Polanco in the infield, if they had signed him.
But the Mariners outbid the Astros, and Polanco is headed back to Seattle. Polanco's value on the market was more than the Astros anticipated in my opinion, and the team wasn't content with going past the first tax threshold in order to sign him.
Another news item that broke over the weekend was the Tigers signing of pitcher Jack Flaherty. Many were wondering if that deal would preclude Detroit from signing Bregman. But according to reports, the Flaherty contract won't impact their decision on Bregman.
What about the Cubs?
Reports indicate the Cubs are serious about adding Bregman, but they also suggest there is some concern that a 6-year deal without any opt-outs could prevent the Cubs from signing Kyle Tucker long-term. Would Breggy roll the dice on signing a deal Chicago could void after one season?
Jeff Bagwell speaks about Bregman
For those wondering if the Astros will up their offer to Alex, I think we got our answer. Baggy basically said the team gave Alex their “best offer,” and it's on him to go shop it.
On the farm
Keith Law of The Athletic recently posted his list of the best minor league systems. To no one's surprise, the Astros are near the bottom of the list coming in at 29th out of 30 teams, and they only have one Top 100 prospect (Cam Smith). Only the Angels are ranked lower (30th), but it is worth noting that the Braves system (Houston GM Dana Brown's former organization) came in right in front of Houston at number 28.
I only say that to point out that Brown was brought in from Atlanta for his scouting ability, and the Braves having seemingly fallen off when it comes to minor league talent. No fault of Brown's, but worth noting.
Houston's dearth of talent in the minors is the main reason this offseason is so crucial if they want to continue their winning ways. They can't count on any help coming from the farm, and the outfield is already a huge concern.
Finally, Bleacher Report shared their offseason grades last week, and they gave Houston a D. Based on the amount of talent that left this offseason, it's hard to argue with their assessment. Ryan Pressly, Kyle Tucker, Justin Verlander, Yusei Kikuchi, and Bregman (the Astros have maintained re-signing him is a “long shot.” )
There's no way around it. That's a lot to overcome. But it doesn't mean they can't win the division as presently constructed.
We have way more to get to! Be sure to watch the video above for the full discussion!
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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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