How Astros could be on verge of biggest free agent swerve of the offseason
FA SWERVE!
27 January
Are more Breggy bombs on the horizon in H-Town? Composite Getty Image.
Just when we thought free agency couldn't get any wilder, this happens! Astros GM Dana Brown spoke to the media over the weekend and kept the door cracked for a possible Alex Bregman return.
Then Jose Altuve volunteered to switch positions and head to left field if the club is able to secure a reunion with Breggy. And that's not all, the Astros traded Ryan Pressly to the Cubs on Sunday, which gave the 'Stros $8.5 million of salary relief.
A move that has the club now under the first tax threshold, something owner Jim Crane has reportedly been in favor of.
Now the ball is in Bregman's court. If the club signs Bregman, they will exceed the first tax threshold, but not the second one. It appears Crane would only consider a move like this for a franchise favorite like Breggy.
And while bringing back Bregman would give the offense a boost, there are legitimate concerns about what this would mean for the defense. Altuve's lack of experience and arm strength in the outfield can't be ignored.
But considering Altuve's decline at second base, a change of position could have been necessary at some point anyway.
A bit of caution
At the end of the day, we have to accept the possibility that this is all a negotiating tactic from agent Scott Boras to regain leverage against other teams looking to sign Bregman.
On the mend
Astros GM Dana Brown shared positive updates on Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers. They won't be ready to start the season, but if they continue progressing, the club expects them back shortly after the season begins.
While it's fair to be skeptical about McCullers, who hasn't pitched for Houston since 2022, he does possess serious upside if he can finally get healthy. Keep in mind, he's pitched well throughout his career. It's the injuries that have held him back.
How much will they miss Pressly?
Make no mistake about it, Pressly was one of three rock solid options in the bullpen. Now that he's gone, who will fill his shoes? Tayler Scott was surprisingly great in 2024, but can he repeat that success again?
Don't miss the video above as the crew from Stone Cold 'Stros breaks it all down!
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Manager Joe Espada is hoping Colton Gordon can deliver for Houston. Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images.
The Houston Astros are set to promote left-handed pitcher Colton Gordon from Triple-A Sugar Land to make his major league debut on Wednesday against the Kansas City Royals, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Gordon, 26, has been impressive this season with the Space Cowboys, posting a 4-0 record and a 2.55 ERA over 42⅓ innings, along with 43 strikeouts and a 1.20 WHIP. He last pitched on May 9, delivering six innings with nine strikeouts and no walks.
A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Gordon was selected by the Astros in the eighth round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of the University of Central Florida.
Gordon's promotion comes as the Astros navigate a stretch of 17 consecutive games without a day off. The team plans to utilize a six-man rotation during this period, and Gordon's addition helps fill the gap left by Hayden Wesneski, who was placed on the 15-day injured list with elbow soreness.
He will face Royals right-hander Michael Lorenzen, who enters the game with a 3-3 record and a 3.57 ERA over 45⅓ innings this season.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. CT at Daikin Park.
*ChatGPT assisted.
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