THE WAITING GAME

Weighing critical context, uncomfortable truths driving Alex Bregman dilemma

Astros Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez
Alex Bregman and the Astros are running out of time. Composite Getty Image.

There’s a sign outside of McDonald’s that keeps track of the millions and millions of hamburgers they’ve sold.

There could be a sign outside Minute Maid Park that keeps track of the millions and millions of dollars Alex Bregman is losing by having the worst season of his career in his contract year.

Maybe instead of appearing in H-E-B commercials he could sign an endorsement deal with Rice Krispies and be part of Snap, Crackle and Pop Out.

Tuesday night, Bregman went 0-4 against the Yankees and his batting average dropped below .200 into Martin Maldonado territory.

Bregman entered this season claiming to be in the best shape of his life and promising big things for 2024.

“My body feels in incredible shape,” Bregman said at the start of spring training. “Swing feels better than ever. And looking forward to a great, healthy season. And I expect to have the best season I’ve ever had.”

And remember when Astros general manager Dana Brown assured fans, don’t worry, we’re going to offer Bregman a contract to stay with the Astros?

“Look, we love Alex, we’d love to have him here. As far as a timeline, we just don’t have it, but we will at some point make him an offer. We know how good he is and how good he’s been for this franchise. It would be tough to look out at third base and not see that elite defense. And so at some point we’ll circle back and have those conversations,” Brown said.

Godot will show up before the Astros put a contract on the table for Bregman. (For those who didn’t read Waiting for Godot in English Lit 101 … Godot never appears in the book.)

With the season nearly a quarter over, Bregman is batting .195. He’s been hitting at the top of the order the entire year, either in the No. 2 spot or cleanup. His power outage would make the Texas grid system look good: 6 runs, 11 RBI and one home run.

Stop saying “Bregman always has a slow start.” Start ended a couple of weeks ago. And stop saying “He will snap out of it.” In his last 10 games, Bregman’s average has dwindled from .216 to .195.

Bregman’s hitting woes actually are part of a five-year trend. In 2019 he had his best season, hitting .296 and smacking 41 home runs.

Since then:

2020: .242 and 6 home runs (Covid season).

2021: .270 and 12 home runs.

2022: .259 and 23 home runs.

2023: .262 and 25 home runs.

If Bregman’s struggles continue, this will be his fifth below-average season in a row. Back in spring training, there was talk of him getting a super long-term deal worth $200 million-plus when he hits free agency at the end of this season.

Chances of that happening: none. As things stand now, Bregman has a better chance of becoming Jerry Seinfeld’s latex salesman.

Most Popular

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome

Listen Live

ESPN Houston 97.5 FM
The Warriors lead the series 3-1. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

The Houston Rockets fell short again in Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs vs. the Golden State Warriors, and we’re breaking it all down.

Free throws killed the Rockets, hitting just 59% from the line — a stat that could’ve flipped the game. Jalen Green once again struggled to deliver, while Fred VanVleet stepped up and gave the Rockets some hope.

Alperen Şengün couldn’t shoot outside, but did what he had to in the paint. Meanwhile, Ime Udoka’s late-game decisions sparked major frustration.

When the Rockets needed 3-pointers, he put in the wrong lineup. It feels like the same Rockets team since 1995 — great potential, but not clutch in crunch time.

Can this team evolve and become playoff-ready? Or are we watching another early exit in the making?

Don't miss the video below as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein share their thoughts on the loss.

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome