Latest Astros free agency reports, and how MLB salary cap could impact Houston

ASTROS FREE AGENCY

Latest Astros free agency reports, and how MLB salary cap could impact Houston
Who should the Astros target if Alex Bregman leaves?Composite Getty Image.

As we wait to see where Alex Bregman will land this offseason, we are seeing some movement begin to take place when it comes to Scott Boras clients.

Blake Snell agreed to a 5-year, $182 million contract with the Dodgers recently, which sent shockwaves across baseball. Many are wondering if the price of poker has gone up, or if this is just the Dodgers overpaying because than can afford to do so.

However, this contract impacts the Astros on two levels. One, it's more money than the Astros have ever offered a player. And two, what this contract means for Framber Valdez, who is in the last year of his deal.

In Framber's case, there's no way the Astros are going to approach an offer of this size for Valdez. They reportedly haven't even offered Bregman a deal of this nature.

The 'Stros have reportedly offered Bregman 6-years, $156 million. About $44 million less than he's looking for. Which brings up a larger concern. The Astros contract offers never seem to adjust with inflation.

Just look at these reported offers and contracts the Astros have been tied to over the last several years.

Offer: Carlos Correa 5-years, $160 million. Rejected.

Contract with Toronto: George Springer, 6-years, $150 million.

Contract with Houston: Jose Altuve 7-years, $163.5 million.

Offer: Bregman 6-years, $156 million. Pending.

Contract with Houston: Yordan Alvarez 6-years, $115 million.

It's like negotiating in a land where time stands still. Everything seems to go up in price, except for contract offers from Jim Crane. To be fair, this tactic has worked well, but for how much longer?

If the Astros do miss out on Breggy, there are some reports connecting Houston to Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander. ESPN's David Schoenfield projects Santander to land a massive three-year, $69 million deal with Houston.

Seems like quite the bargain for a player with more offensive thump than Bregman.

On the pitching front, Nick Villano of FanSided predicts the Astros will sign former Guardians ace Shane Bieber, who is recovering from season-ending Tommy John surgery.

Considering the Astros already have several pitchers returning from injury, this move does not make a ton of sense.

Salary cap coming to MLB?

Because of the Dodgers' aggressive approach to free agency over the last few years, many are wondering if a salary cap will be necessary moving forward.

Be sure to watch the video above as we discuss the likelihood of a salary cap in baseball, if it would benefit the Astros, and weigh in on the Astros approach to free agency this offseason.

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Adding Brendan Rodgers is a low risk move that could provide solid upside. Photo via: Wiki Commons.

The Houston Astros have bolstered their infield by reportedly signing former Colorado Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers.

The move adds both defensive stability and offensive upside to a team looking to maintain its dominance in the AL West.

Rodgers, a former first-round pick, spent the past six seasons with the Rockies, where he showcased his defensive prowess and developing bat. Known for his smooth glove work, he won a Gold Glove in 2022 and has been a steady presence at second base. Offensively, Rodgers has shown flashes of power and consistency, though injuries have occasionally slowed his progress.

Should he make the team, Rodgers is expected to slot into the infield mix, potentially taking over as the everyday second baseman or serving as a key utility option. His arrival makes the possibility of Jose Altuve playing a significant amount of time in left field seem more likely.

It also frees up Mauricio Dubon to remain in a utility role and not regularly penciled in at second base when Altuve starts in left.

Rodgers posted a .267 batting average over 135 games last season. He recorded a .314 on-base percentage, while slugging .407, with an OPS of .721. He also blasted 13 dingers in the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field.

You can watch his 2024 highlights below.


*ChatGPT assisted with this content.


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