MLB insider lays out Astros' master plan for 2025 and beyond
WORK YOUR PLAN
17 December 2024
Expect the Astros to add another bat this offseason. Composite Getty Image.
Following the trade of Kyle Tucker to the Cubs, it's still unclear how the Astros plan to replace his production. Isaac Paredes will certainly be part of the solution, but there's still a real possibility that Alex Bregman has played his last game in a Houston uniform.
MLB.com's Brian McTaggart joined Brian Kenny on MLB Network this week and revealed some shocking results from a poll of Astros fans. The poll indicated most fans are okay with the Tucker trade, knowing there was no way the team would sign him long-term after the season.
McTaggart also indicated the Astros have a lot more work to do this offseason filling out the roster, especially if the club is unable to re-sign Alex Bregman. McTaggart believes there's too big a gap between Houston's offer, and what Bregman can command on the open market.
If he's correct and Bregman does sign elsewhere, Houston will have to pivot and find another bat to insert in the lineup. Considering the Astros concerning outfield depth, McTaggart believes former Orioles' outfielder Anthony Santander could be a good solution for Houston.
If not Santander, the club could have interest in signing former Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker, or trading for Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado.
Be sure to watch the video above as the guys break down the Astros' plan of attack, with Tucker now in Chicago.
Milos Uzan scored 14 points, L.J. Cryer added 13 points and No. 7 Houston routed Utah 70-36 on Wednesday night for its 11th straight win.
J’Wan Roberts had 11 points and Terrance Arceneaux scored 10 points for the Cougars (15-3, 7-0 Big 12). Houston won its 33rd consecutive home game, which is the longest active streak in the nation.
Houston shot 43% from the field and was 5 of 18 on 3-pointers.
Gabe Madsen scored eight points and Keanu Dawes added seven points and nine rebounds for Utah (11-7, 3-4), which had its three-game winning streak snapped. The Utes shot 30% from the field and were 5 of 17 on 3-pointers.
Takeaways
Utah: The Utes had issues with Houston’s defense throughout. Utah had issues shooting the ball as Houston double and triple-teamed on defense.
Houston: The Cougars were playing without second leading scorer Emanuel Sharp, who sat out with a boot on his right foot. Even without Sharp, Houston did not miss a beat and scored at will both inside and outside.
Key moment
Leading 8-5, Cryer made a jumper with 16 minutes remaining in the first half to spark an 18-0 run. Houston led 41-17 at the half.
Key stat
Houston forced Utah into 26 turnovers and converted them into 29 points. The Cougars held a 19-0 advantage in points off turnovers at the half. Houston finished with just five turnovers.
Up next
Houston travels to No. 12 Kansas on Saturday, and Utah hosts Baylor the same day.
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