Astros Focus on Third Base Amid Bregman Uncertainty
As the Major League Baseball offseason gains momentum, the Houston Astros have zeroed in on their infield, particularly at third base. With Alex Bregman nearing free agency, uncertainty clouds his future with the team. Astros’ general manager Dana Brown has been vocal about the franchise's intentions, stating, "Our biggest priority is third base, without a doubt. We'd love to have Alex Bregman back. It's our biggest priority."
The Astros are actively engaged in discussions with Bregman's agent, Scott Boras, to potentially secure the two-time All-Star for the foreseeable future. However, a significant hurdle remains—the length of the contract. The Astros have expressed discomfort with contracts that extend beyond six or seven years. This preference for shorter commitments could be a sticking point in negotiations with Boras, known for securing extensive deals for his clients.
Despite this challenge, retaining Bregman is at the top of the Astros' agenda. His performance and leadership have been pivotal to the team's success, making his potential departure a significant concern. As the team navigates these negotiations, they are also exploring contingencies should Bregman choose to leave.
One alternative the Astros are considering is Willy Adames, a shortstop available in free agency. At 29, Adames has expressed willingness to change positions for a compelling offer from a competitive team. His flexibility and experience could offer the Astros versatility should Bregman's situation not resolve in their favor.
While the Astros focus on infield reconfigurations, other teams are also making moves in the market. The Los Angeles Angels, for instance, are finalizing a deal with veteran pitcher Kyle Hendricks. At 34, Hendricks is transitioning from a long tenure with the Chicago Cubs, where he built a respected career after being drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2011. Despite a challenging 2024 season with a 5.92 ERA and a 2.02 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 29 appearances, his experience could bolster the Angels' rotation.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners are taking a more conservative approach. Finishing the season ranked 21st in runs scored and 12th in weighted runs created plus (wRC+), the team has publicly stated its reluctance to engage in excessive spending during free agency. This caution suggests a strategic, restrained approach to roster enhancements despite the need for offensive improvements.
As teams like the Astros and Mariners navigate their offseason strategies, the dynamics of team-building and negotiations will unfold. The Astros’ commitment to solidifying their lineup and the Mariners’ conservative stance exemplify the varied approaches teams must consider as they reshape their rosters for the upcoming season.