Latest on where Astros, Bregman are situated during turbulent offseason
STONE COLD 'STROS
23 December 2024
STONE COLD 'STROS
Astros fans have now had a few days to process what the signing of Christian Walker means for the organization moving forward. Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker will not be returning, and their bats have been replaced by Isaac Paredes and Walker.
Clearly, defense was also a priority for Houston. Jose Altuve's defense has fallen off significantly, and the hope is adding a Gold Glover like Walker will help to hide some of his deficiencies.
Houston may have lost a Gold Glover with Bregman leaving, but at least they gained one at first base. Speaking of Bregman, Astros fans are kind of in a weird spot with him. They're fully aware he's not returning to the club, but don't know which team he's going to play for.
The loss of Bregman probably won't fully sink in until he officially joins another organization. Which makes us curious about Altuve, who pleaded with the front office to bring back Breggy.
We have to wonder what Altuve really thinks about these moves behind closed doors. He can be disappointed about Jim Crane's philosophy on long-term deals, but contracts are a two-way street.
Altuve gave the 'Stros a hometown discount, and that's why he'll be an Astro for the foreseeable future. His former teammates weren't willing to do that, and that's why they're no longer with the club. Plain and simple.
Be sure to watch the video above as we discuss the new-look Astros, their current World Series odds, if the team is done making moves this offseason, and much more!
With spring training about to get started, it appears Alex Bregman has finally narrowed down his options to three teams, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.
Olney indicates the Astros are out of the mix, and Bregman will choose between the Tigers, Red Sox, and Cubs. There is also a belief that Breggy will make his decision by the end of the week, and MLB Network's Harold Reynolds said his sources are telling him Alex is heading to Chicago.
We still haven't seen any concrete evidence that there's a long-term deal on the table greater than the Astros offer, which makes us think he'll sign a shorter deal with a higher AAV. Don't be surprised if Breggy inks a 3-year $105 million deal with opt-outs just like Carlos Correa did a few years back.
Houston reportedly increased their offer to Bregman last week, but we don't know exactly what that entails. Based on reports Scott Boras didn't feel Breggy should take a pay cut. It would make sense if Houston added some money to the frontend of the deal, but whatever they did, it doesn't look like it's enough.
Had the Astros been willing to go 6-years, $180 million, perhaps that would have sealed the deal. But there's also a possibility Bregman is ready to move on to another team. Maybe he doesn't feel like the club is heading in the right direction after trading Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly. There were also reports last season that he wasn't happy with the communication from Astros manager Joe Espada when he was moved down in the order. We'll definitely have more clarity when we see the final numbers from the contract he ultimately accepts.
Call to the bullpen
Speaking of Espada, he joined the Crush City Territory podcast this week and spoke about some pitchers that will be counted on this season with Pressly now in Chicago.
The three pitchers he named were Tayler Scott, Bryan King, and Forrest Whitley. Espada spoke about how he trusted Scott in high-leverage spots, and how well King through the ball last season. He also mentioned Whitley as a player he's excited about. Based on these comments, we expect Scott and King to get opportunities in the seventh inning with Pressly out of the picture.
What does Vegas think?
It depends on which sportsbook you look at. But as a frame of reference, MyBookie has the Astros as the favorites to win the division, and they have their win total at 88.5.
If the Astros end up winning the division after moving on from Bregman, Tucker, and Pressly, should Houston fans consider that a win?
Don't miss the video above as the crew from Stone Cold 'Stros breaks it all down!
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