BUCKLE UP!
How Astros could still be in on Bregman, definitely out on another
Jan 20, 2025, 6:05 pm
The Astros haven't closed the door on a Bregman return. Composite Getty Image.
As we begin another week of free agency, Alex Bregman remains unsigned, but one of the Astros reported targets Anthony Santander has a new home.
Santander has reportedly agreed to a 5-year, $92.5 million contract with the Blue Jays. Many were hoping that the Astros would make a play for the switch hitting power hitter, as he would have provided some serious thump.
Now it appears the Astros will enter the 2025 season with one of the weakness outfields in baseball when it comes to offense.
Speaking of Bregman, Astros manager Joe Espada recently told Fox 26's Nate Griffin that the team is still in contact with Breggy despite General Manger Dana Brown telling the media the team decided to pivot after talks stalled with Bregman's camp.
If there still remains a possibility of Bregman returning, one has to wonder if the Astros reported 6-year, $156 million contract offer is still on the table after the club traded for Isaac Paredes to fill the hole at third base. And if they do make a deal with Bregman, what do they do with Paredes?
Also, now that we know how much money Santander commanded on the open market. Which signing would have benefited the Astros the most? Santander at 5-years, $92.5 million, or Bregman at 6-years, $156 million?
Don't miss the video above as we discuss the possibility of Bregman returning, the Dodgers' absurd free agency (that now involves even more deferred money), Billy Wagner, and much more!
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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.