Major Astros shifts flying under radar with new-look defense, intriguing pitching infusion
STONE COLD 'STROS
06 February
A lot to unpack here! Composite Getty Image.
Following the Astros meeting with the media on Tuesday, where GM Dana Brown made it seem like the team had already moved on from Alex Bregman, we received some interesting news on the free agency front.
Pete Alonso (who shares the same agent as Bregman) agreed to a much shorter contract than many expected. Alonso elected to return to the Mets on a two-year prove-it deal.
Which had many wondering if Bregman would do something similar. However, Bob Nightengale reported that despite the Alonso news, Bregman is still seeking a six or seven-year contract.
Which is curious because the only reported offer of six years, has come from the Astros. We're also hearing that the Cubs are very interested in Bregman, but aren't looking to commit to more than four years, with opt-outs.
If Bregman is indeed considering betting on himself and looking to take another stab at free agency in 2026, the Cubs sound like a poor choice.
ESPN's “Hembo” made a convincing case that a right-handed hitter specializing in hitting doubles couldn't play in a worse ballpark than Wrigley Field, according to Baseball Savant. Bregman no longer has the fly ball potency he once had, and Wrigley doesn't have a short porch in left field like in Houston.
According to the analytics, Bregman would be way better served playing in Toronto or Boston. Two environments much better suited for his swing if he's looking to boost his value for 2026.
Altuve playing the field
Although the Astros didn’t sign any infielders in free agency, it seems they still plan to have him log some time in left field. Which got me thinking. Perhaps the Astros would like to use Mauricio Dubon at second base when their two elite ground ball pitchers (Framer Valdez, Hunter Brown) are taking the hill. This would keep Altuve and Yordan Alvarez's bats in the lineup, with a better defensive option at second base.
Outfield depth acquired
We certainly don't expect to see Altuve play exclusively in left field, so they had to add to the position. This week, Houston decided to bring Ben Gamel back on a one-year deal.
Pitching infusion
GM Dana Brown shared an update on the health of Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia this week, and was very excited about the progress McCullers is making, now throwing off a mound and touching 90mph.
Manager Joe Espada said he didn't want to commit on what role McCullers would have, leaving the door open for him to be used out of the bullpen.
Which caught our attention, as it sounds a little scary asking McCullers to quickly warmup, and enter a game in relief considering his history of arm issues.
We feel it's more likely they wouldn't ask him to come in with traffic on the bases. Perhaps he would be used to piggyback a starter for a couple of innings. Which would allow them to let him know ahead of time how he would be used that day. Thus, giving him ample time to get loose.
The news about Garcia wasn't nearly as positive, he's still throwing off flat ground, with pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training in a week.
The team is also not ruling out the return of Cristian Javier late in the season, after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. But that seems a little over ambitious to us based on how slowly McCullers and Garcia have taken to heal.
We believe it's more likely the Astros are planning on letting Framber Valdez walk in free agency, and banking on Hunter Brown and Javier to be the two-headed monster at the top of the rotation in 2026. Rushing Javier back, who they've already paid big money to, doesn't sound like a wise move when looking at the big picture.
This is one video you don't want to miss as we discuss the latest Bregman developments, Altuve playing left field several times a week, what a healthy McCullers would mean for the rotation, and much more!
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Pressure mounts as Texans face tough decisions ahead of imminent cuts
Aug 21, 2025, 1:09 pm
What were the takeaways from the Texans-Panthers preseason game?
We’re getting close to cuts, so the stakes are high with one last chance to make a lasting impression in the final preseason game. In the Texans’ win over Carolina, the biggest takeaway was the offensive line and running game — they looked good. Pass protection held up, and C.J. Stroud put together a nice touchdown drive capped off with a fourth-down throw to Nico Collins. Both rookies Jayden Higgins and Jalen Noel caught passes, and Nick Chubb looked sharp running with the starters.
How did the O-line look?
The line already looks much improved from last season. Pass protection was solid, run blocking was effective, and they were able to grind out yards while giving Stroud a clean pocket. Rookie Aireontae Ersery continues to impress, and there’s a real chance he ends up as the starting left tackle over big ticket free agent Cam Robinson. Robinson is back at practice, but Ersery has looked good with the first unit — and he was drafted to take Laremy Tunsil’s spot anyway, so why not speed up the process?
In practice the starters have been LT Ersery, LG Laken Tomlinson, C Jake Andrews, RG Ed Ingram, and RT Tytus Howard. If Robinson slides back to left tackle, Ersery could move to right tackle with Howard shifting inside to guard. It’ll be interesting to see what combo the Texans roll out against the Rams in Week 1.
Did the running backs impress?
Chubb looked good behind the line, finishing with 5 carries for 25 yards and a reception. He seemed comfortable in the scheme and showed some burst — it’s obvious he knows what he’s doing. If Joe Mixon isn’t ready for the start of the season, Houston should be in good hands with Chubb.
Damien Pierce is still out, which has given rookie Woody Marks more opportunity. He made the most of it with 40 yards on 7 carries against Carolina. He’s also shown he can help on third down with his ability in the passing game, which could earn him a real role.
How did the receivers look?
Rookie receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel both caught passes. Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, and Justin Watson each added a couple of grabs too. Based on last year, Stroud tends to funnel targets to his top two options. A season ago it was Collins and Stefon Diggs before injuries hit. This year, Kirk looks capable of filling that Diggs role out of the slot. He just fits.
Reaction to the John Metchie–Harrison Bryant trade
The Texans needed more tight end depth with Brevin Jordan hurt, and Metchie wasn’t going to make the team. Bryant gives them another option, and it looks like tight ends may play a bigger role in the offense after Irv Smith Jr. led the team in catches and yards against Carolina.
Special teams also factored in. Metchie doesn’t play there, while Braxton Berrios and Justin Watson do, which gives the Texans more flexibility. Collins, Kirk, Higgins, Noel, and Hutchinson all look like locks at receiver, so moving Metchie made sense. It will be interesting to see who the final pieces will be in the Texans receiver room. Will they keep Watson and/or Berrios? We'll find out on Tuesday when the final cuts are made. Stay tuned!
What to watch for against the Lions
It’s all about the offense at this point. The defense is expected to be elite, so the spotlight shifts to Stroud and the rest of the unit. If the offensive line holds up against Detroit and the operation looks sharp, the Texans should be well-positioned to open the regular season on the right foot.
There's so much more to break down! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The NFL season is almost upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Texans on Tap podcast, which drops each Thursday during the preseason! More episodes will ramp up when the regular season begins! We'll go live on YouTube after every regular-season game.
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