Astros add wrinkle to Bregman negotiations while GM gets real about closer situation

A NEW TWIST

Astros add wrinkle to Bregman negotiations while GM gets real about closer situation
How much longer will the Astros wait on Bregman? Composite Getty Image.

As the Astros and their fans wait on Alex Bregman to pick his next team, reports continue to surface about what it will take financially to seal the deal.

The Blue Jays reportedly have a 6-year deal on the table for Breggy, as well as the 'Stros. Bregman's agent Scott Boras has reportedly told teams that Houston's offer isn't enough to get a deal done, claiming the offer requires Alex to take a pay cut on a per-year basis.

But Bregman and his representation can't have it both ways. At least not if he wants to return to H-Town. If they want the security of a 6-year guaranteed contract, Houston isn't going to pay full price on a per-year basis too.

When GM Dana Brown spoke to the media this week, he mentioned that he needed to respond to a text from Boras. He also said the team is speaking internally about the ripple effect that would occur from signing Breggy. Which Brown says could include Jose Altuve playoff some left field.

Phone tag

Brown's casual approach to returning Boras' text makes a lot of sense to us. At this point, the offer is the offer. There's really nothing else to say to Boras. Either they're taking the deal or he's signing somewhere else.

Which feels like the right way to approach the situation. If Bregman isn't satisfied with 6-years, $156 million, then he should prepare to play elsewhere.

One has to wonder how long the Brown and the Astros will let this play out, with spring training right around the corner.

Plan B in free agency

Another thing we learned from Brown's presser was that he still views adding a left-handed bat as a priority. Which checks out, considering Chandler Rome is reporting that the Astros may have interest in signing switch hitter Jorge Polanco. Even though Polanco is an infielder by trade, many believe he could be an option in left field for Houston. Sound familiar?

The club's reported interest in Polanco could also be a leverage play by Brown. Signaling to Boras and Bregman that the team could pivot at any given moment.

Sour grapes?

We also discovered that Ryan Pressly wasn't too keen on being demoted to a setup role when the Astros signed Josh Hader last offseason. Pressly kept things professional, but Brown said things were never the same between him and Pressly after adding Hader.

One has to wonder if, in private moments, Pressly felt justified after Hader was such a disappointment in his first season with Houston.

This is one video you don't want to miss as the crew from Stone Cold 'Stros breaks it all down!


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Houston has a new leader on offense. Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Texans are hiring Los Angeles Rams assistant Nick Caley as their offensive coordinator, a source familiar with the move told The Associated Press on Monday.

The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the move.

Caley spent last season as the passing game coordinator and tight ends coach for the Rams. He replaces Bobby Slowik, who was fired last month after two seasons in the position.

The 42-year-old Caley has worked for the Rams for the past two seasons after working as an assistant for the Patriots from 2015-22.

Before moving to the NFL, Caley spent 10 years as an assistant at various college programs.

Caley takes over an offense led by C.J. Stroud that took a step back in the quarterback’s second year. In 2023, the unit finished 12th in scoring (22.2 points per game) and yardage (342.4). Stroud ran away with AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in leading the Texans to their first playoff appearance in four years.

Houston defeated the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round as Stroud at 22 became the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game.

The Texans this past season were 19th in scoring (21.9) and 22nd in yardage (319.7) as Stroud took a step back. He was sacked 52 times, the second-highest number in the league behind Bears rookie Caleb Williams’ 68. Stroud’s numbers dipped across the board while his interceptions total rose from five to 12.

Despite this, Houston went 10-7 for the second year in a row and again won its wild-card playoff matchup, defeating the Los Angeles Chargers. The two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs eliminated the Texans in the divisional round.

Be sure to watch the video above as the crew from Texans on Tap reacts to the hire and shares what we should expect from Houston's new OC.


*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!

https://houston.sportsmap.com/advertise

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