MLB insider creates firestorm on free agency, shots fired at Astros
BIG WORDS
30 December 2024
Should more teams operate like the Dodgers? Composite: Getty Images, IG: Christian Walker, IG: MLB on FOX.
ESPN's Jeff Passan caused quite the frenzy on Friday when he posted on X about the Dodgers' “pursuit of winning” being unmatched.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a machine. Not only do they print cash, their willingness to spend it in pursuit of winning is unmatched. They put their money where their mouth is. Others could benefit greatly from the same approach. They choose not to.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 27, 2024
He also made it clear that other organizations could follow the Dodgers' blueprint and defer money, but they choose not to, for a variety of reasons.
Passan received some pushback, with many people pointing to the TV money the Dodgers receive, that just isn't a reality in other markets. But as Passan points out in the post below, deferring money isn't exclusive to the Dodgers.
Bobby Bonilla, Ken Griffey Jr, Francisco Lindor, Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Christian Yelich and plenty of others deferred money. Arizona’s ownership needed to sell in 2004 because it deferred too much.
Before you complain, understand history a little. It’s not hard.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 28, 2024
Passan's stance on free agency got us thinking about how the Astros handle their contracts, and stick to their policy of avoiding long-term deals.
If ever there was a player to make an exception for, it would have been Kyle Tucker. But it also takes two to tango. Tucker would have to have been willing to defer some of his money. Plus, there is some downside when teams defer cash. It lowers the perceived value of the team, and some clubs have been forced to take floater loans just to make payroll.
Shots fired!
Super agent Scott Boras took a swipe at the Astros after they dropped out of the running for Alex Bregman.
“Over time, teams learn if you’re running from leadership and talent, you’re running from the ultimate goal,” said Boras. It's funny, we don't remember Boras having that same opinion of the 'Stros when his client Jose Altuve signed a long-term deal with the club just last year. He is clearly upset about losing leverage in the Bregman negotiations, with Houston no longer in the mix.
Don't miss the video above as we address the comments from Passan and Boras, and examine if Crane's philosophy on mega contracts needs to evolve for the Astros to compete at the highest levels again.
Plus, will Corbin Burnes' massive deal with the Diamondbacks change the Astros' approach with Framber Valdez?
Christian Walker delivers late heroics to push Astros past Rockies
Aug 28, 2025, 4:08 pm
Christian Walker homered twice, capped by a tiebreaking solo shot in the eighth inning to lift the Houston Astros to a 4-3 win over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.
ANOTHA ONE. pic.twitter.com/ZSotUshBrA
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 28, 2025
The game was tied 3-3 with no outs when Walker sent the first pitch from Luis Peralta (1-2) into left center field. Walker also homered in the first inning to make this the 15th multi-homer game of his career.
Oppo for Walker! #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/ZUt9Q1Qcco
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 28, 2025
Jose Altuve also homered for the Astros, who won a second straight after dropping the series opener.
GOATuve. pic.twitter.com/CMeDnExsOj
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 28, 2025
The Rockies had a chance to take the lead when they loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh. Jordan Beck reached on a catcher’s interference call on César Salazar, but Kaleb Ort struck out Brenton Doyle to leave everyone stranded.
Bryan King (4-3) threw a scoreless eighth for the win and Bryan Abreu allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth for his fourth save.
Altuve and Walker hit back-to-back homers with two outs in the first inning to put Houston up 2-0. Mauricio Dubón scored on a bunt single by Salazar to push the lead to 3-0.
The Rockies loaded the bases with one out in the third and made it 3-1 when Mickey Moniak grounded into a force out that sent a run home.
Ezequiel Tovar homered into the seats in right field with two outs in the fourth.
Yanquiel Fernández tied it when he belted his second homer this season to right field in the fifth.
Key moment
Walker’s second home run.
MLB.com's Brian McTaggart caught up with Walker after the big win.
A clean-shaven Christian Walker led the Astros to a razor-thin win over the Rockies pic.twitter.com/wvE1n6hXMv
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) August 28, 2025
Key stat
The Rockies left 10 men on base.
Up next
Colorado RHP Germán Márquez (3-11, 5.67 ERA) is expected to come off the injured list Friday to oppose RHP Cade Horton (8-4, 2.88) in the opener of a three-game series against the Cubs.
Houston RHP Cristian Javier (1-1, 5.40) opposes LHP Tyler Anderson (2-8, 4.73) when the Astros open a four-game series with the Los Angeles Angels Friday night.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
