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!
*Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!
How Texans receivers are built to break defenses (but not how you think)
May 21, 2025, 6:15 pm
The Houston Texans continue to build one of the NFL’s most intriguing wide receiver rooms — and according to Yahoo Sports analyst Matt Harmon, their new rookie additions bring more than just depth. Harmon offered insight into how the Texans might creatively deploy second-round pick Jayden Higgins and third-rounder Jaylin Noel, two players with contrasting skill sets who could carve out meaningful roles in Nick Caley's (formerly with the Rams) offense.
At first glance, Higgins fits the traditional mold of an outside receiver. At 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds, he lined up mostly as an X receiver in college and looked the part physically. But Harmon suggests that Higgins might actually be a better fit as a power slot — a big-bodied interior option who can do damage against zone coverage, similar to how the Rams used Cooper Kupp in his prime.
That role makes sense in Houston. The Texans already have one of the league’s premier outside receivers in Nico Collins, and there’s no pressure to force Higgins into a role that doesn’t maximize his skill set. According to data from Reception Perception, Higgins struggled against tight coverage in college, finishing in just the 15th percentile in success rate versus man and 16th percentile versus press. Letting Higgins attack softer coverages from the slot could be the key to unlocking his full potential.
Still, Higgins might not even be the most impactful rookie receiver the Texans landed.
While Higgins came in with the size and profile of a prototypical NFL wideout, Noel quietly outproduced him in 2024 at Iowa State and was quite often more feared by opponents. Noel’s game is built around separation and quickness — and despite being under six feet tall, there's confidence that he can play both inside and outside at the pro level. His 74.1 percent success rate versus man coverage speaks to his advanced route-running, which could earn him early targets in Houston’s pass-heavy scheme.
With Collins, Christian Kirk, Higgins, and Noel, the Texans suddenly have a flexible, matchup-proof receiving group that can attack every level of the field. If C.J. Stroud takes another step in year three, this offense could become even more dangerous — with its rookie receivers helping push it over the top.
Be sure to check out the video below to watch Harmon's full breakdown of the Texans receivers, and much more!
*ChatGPT assisted.
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Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!
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