As the Major League Baseball offseason begins, the Houston Astros are honing in on a critical position: third base. Their focus is heavily centered around Alex Bregman, a two-time All-Star, whose tenure with the team could be on shaky ground as he edges closer to free agency.
General Manager Dana Brown has candidly expressed the team’s top priority, stating, "Our biggest priority is third base, without a doubt. We'd love to have Alex Bregman back. It's our biggest priority." This clearly illustrates the internal urgency surrounding Bregman’s potential departure. The Astros have been proactive, engaging in discussions with Bregman’s agent, the formidable Scott Boras, in an effort to secure the third baseman's future with the team.
Contract Concerns
However, a significant hurdle lies ahead for the Astros. Historically, the team has shown aversion to long-term contracts that extend beyond the six or seven-year mark. This stance could create friction in negotiations, particularly if Bregman and his agent seek a lengthier deal. The unresolved contract situation leaves the Astros wary of the possibility of having to move forward without Bregman anchoring third base.
Exploring Alternatives
Should the negotiations not result in an agreement, the Astros are reportedly eyeing alternatives. Among the names considered is Willy Adames, a skilled 29-year-old shortstop currently available in free agency. Adames has demonstrated flexibility in his willingness to switch positions for the right offer from a competitive ball club. This adaptability makes him a compelling option for the Astros if they find themselves needing to fill a void at third base.
Other Movements Across the League
In other offseason developments, the Los Angeles Angels are moving towards finalizing a short-term deal with veteran pitcher Kyle Hendricks. At 34 years old, Hendricks is on the verge of securing a one-year agreement after concluding the 2024 season with a 5.92 ERA and a 2.02 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 29 appearances. Before this move, Hendricks spent his entire major league career with the Chicago Cubs, after being initially drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2011.
Seattle Mariners' Strategy
Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners face their own set of challenges. Despite finishing the season ranked 21st in runs scored and 12th in weighted runs created plus (wRC+), the Mariners have expressed hesitation to spend excessively in the free agency market. This financial prudence could affect their ability to bolster their lineup with high-caliber acquisitions.
The unfolding offseason scenarios illustrate the varying strategies and uncertainties teams face as they prepare for the next season. Whether it’s securing key players like Bregman or cautiously navigating the free agency waters as seen with the Mariners, decision-makers across the league are tasked with strategic planning to optimize their rosters for future success.